
H 



m 



THK 



150th anniversary 



OF THK 



OUaA-NIZATIOIsr 



OF THK 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 



IN 



COLUMBIA. CONN 

OCTOBER 2-1 th, 186G. 



HISTORICAL PAPEKS, ADDRESSES, 

WITH APPPLNDIX. 



HARTFORD: 
PRINTED BY CASE, LOCKWOOD & CO., 

1867. 



THE 

150th anniversary 



OF THE 



OUa^NIZA^TION 



OF THE 



CONGEEGATIONAL CHURCH 



IN 



COLUMBIA, CONN.. 

OCTOBER 24th, 1866. 



HISTORICAL PAPERS, ADDRESSES, 
WITH APPENDIX. 



HARTFORD: 

PRINTED BY CASE, LOCKWOOD & CO., 

1867. 



,i,5Cb 



^ 



(>H^L 



oi' 



T^BLE OF CONTENTS. 



Historical Discourse, by Rev. F. D. Avery, . . 5 
Tribute to the memory of Rev. Thomas Brockway, by Doct. O. 

B. Lyman, of Hartford, . . - . 28 
Historical Sketch, Meeting Houses, by John S. Teomans, 30, 31 

Ministers from the Parish, by Rev. F. D. Avery, - - 37 
Historical Sketches, — Education, Music and Miscellaneous, by 

John S. Yeomans, ... - 45,49,50 

Address, by Rev. Charles Little of Woodbury, - 55 

Moor's Indian Charity School, by Rev. F. D. Avery, - 58 
Tribute to the Memory of Doctor E. Wheelock, founder of 

Moor's Charity School and Dartmouth College, by Doct. O. 

B. Lyman, Hartford, ----- 70 

Statements and Statistics, by Rev. W. H. Moore, of Berlin, 72 

Appendix, ._-_-- 75 
Proceedings, Order of Exercises, Collation, &c., - 76, 81 

Copy of Original Petition of the people to be set off a Society, 81 
Copy of a Rate Bill for the North Parish of Lebanon, (now 

Columbia,) for the year 1741, to pay the Salary of Rev. 

Eleazer Wheelock, ----- 83 

Catalogue of Present Members of the Church, - " 86 

Catalogue of the Present Members of the Society, - 88 

Table of Statistics, by Rev. W. H. Moore, of Berlin, - 89 
Letter from Rev. Asa D. Smith, D. D., President Dartmouth 

College, New Hampshire, - , - - - 90 



IV TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

Letter from Ex-Governor Wm. A. Buckingham, Norwich, Ct., 90 

Letter from Rev. Daniel Hunt, Pomfret, Conn., - - 91 
Note A. Letter of the Parish to Rev. E. Wheelock, D. D., 

relating to the Location of the Charity School, - - 92 
Note B. Letter recommending Rev. Mr. Whitaker in his 

efforts soliciting subscriptions for Moor's Charity School, 95 



HISTORICAL DISCOTJRSE, 

BY THE PASTOR, REV. FREDERICK D. AVERY. 



It was just as the seventeenth century was flowing into the 
eighteenth that the inhabitants of Lebanon completed their 
town organization, gathered the first church and settled their 
first minister. Sixteen years after, in 1716, one hundred and 
fifty years ago, a second ecclesiastical society was constituted, 
which was known as Lebanon North Parish, or Lebanon 
Crank, until 1804, when Columbia became a town. 

All efforts to ascertain the exact date of the organization of 
this church have been fruitless. The time would probably 
vary but little, if at all, from the formation of the ecclesiasti- 
cal society. Taking the year 1716 as our stand-point, what 
would we find to be the religious aspect of the State ? There 
were then but four counties in the State, Hartford, New 
Haven, New London and Fairfield. Li all the State there 
were a few Episcopal societies, one Baptist, no Methodist. 
Of our own denomination, in what is now Hartford county, 
there were twelve churches, where there are now fifty-one; 
in what is now New Haven county, there were nine churches, 
where there are now forty-nine ; in what is now New London 
county, there were eight churches, where there are now thirty- 
four; in what is now Fairfield county, there were eleven 
churches, where there are now thirty-six; in what is now 
Windham county, there were six churches, where there are 
now twenty-seven ; in what is now Middlesex county, there 
were seven churches, where there are now twenty-six; in 
what is now Litchfield county, there were two churches, where 
1 



> 



there arc now forty-one; in what is now Tolland county, there 

were two churches besides our own, South Mansfield and 

South Coventry, where there are now twenty-two; in all fifty- 

1 seven churches in the State 150 years ago, where there are 

\ now 286 of our own denomination, 160 Methodist, 115 Bap- 

\ tist, and 130 Episcopal. 

The early history of most of our old churches is very imper- 
fectly known, for want of any thing that may properly be 
called Records; and in this misfortune this church shares 
largely. Of the first fifty years of the existence of this church, 
but a few meagre pages are to be found, as its own proper 
record at the time ; and of the next seventy years we have 
scarcely more than the barest statistics of baptisms, admissions 
and deaths. 

The first item that has been found indicating the actual 
existence of this church is the fact stated by Dr. Trumbull, 
that Mr. Samuel Smith was settled here in the year 1720. 
Mr. Smith was doubtless the first pastor. His ministry was 
of short duration, the parish granting his request to "lay 
down the pastoral office," December 24, 1724. He was a 
native of Glastonbury ; was graduated at Yale College, in 
1713, in a class of three, and was a tutor in the College. He 
died in 1725, only five years from the time of his settlement 
here, and twelve years after his graduation. 

But one month elapsed and a call was extended to Mr. 
William Gager, who was ordained May 27, 1725. This second 
pastor continued his labors here nearly ten years, when the 
termination of his pastorate is thus declared by himself, Sep- 
tember 4, 1735: "I, the subscriber, do by these presents 
desist the work of the ministry in the North Society in Leba- 
non, and release said people from all obligations they have 
made with me as to my support and maintenance for the 
future, and declare that I have no particular or special right 
to officiate as a minister among them." After leaving this 
people Mr. Gager preached one year in Eastbury. He was 
born in 1704, the son of Samuel and Rebecca Gager ; was 
graduated at Yale College, in 1721, and died in May, 1739, 
aged thirty-three. 



The third pastor was Rev. Eleazar Wheelock. Mr. Wheel- 
ock was born in Windfiam, in May, 1711, the only son of 
Deacon Ralph Wheelock. He was graduated at Yale College, 
in 1733j having for a class-mate Benjamin Pomeroy, who soon 
became his much-esteemed fellow-laborer as the pastor of the 
church in Hebron. He was licensed to preach the gospel by 
the New Haven East Association, in 1734. He received a 
call to settle here in February, 1735, and was ordained the 
first Wednesday in June following. The terms of his settle- 
ment are as follows: " Voted to give Mr. Wheelock that part 
of the minister's farm which they reserved in their agreement 
with Mr. Gager, which they suppose is something more than 
twenty acres, and two hundred pounds in bills of public credit, 
for a settlement, in case he settle in the work of the ministry 
among us. Also, voted to give Mr. Wheelock one^Jiundred 
and forty pounds a year salary, to be paid in bills of public 
credit, or in provision at the following prices ; viz. wheat at 
nine shillings per bushel, rye at seven, Indian corn at five, ! 
oats at two shillings and six pence, pork at six pence a pound, 
and beef at four ; which are to be the standard by which his 
salary is to rise or fall proportionally as they in the general 
rise or fall among us." 

Mr. Wheelock began his ministry here just at the time 
when commenced that marvelous work of grace in New Eng- 
land which is termed the " Great Awakening." He entered 
into this work from the very first, and became an earnest and 
efficient fellow-laborer with the Rev. Jonathan Edwards. 
Not a year had passed after his settlement before this parish 
was beginning to receive the fruits of his faithful and well- 
directed labors. Under date of 1736, stated by Jonathan 
Edwards to be in the Spring and Summer of that year, the 
historian brings this testimony: "The work also was very 
great at Lebanon Crank, a parish under the ministry of Rev. Mr. 
Wheelock, a pious young gentleman who had been then very 
lately ordained in that place." Of the real extent and dura- 
tion of this revival here no certain statement can be made ; 
nor do we know that there was any other period in his minis- 
try that was so distinctly marked by the special power of the 
Holy Spirit. 



8 

Such success attended the preaching of Mr. Wheelock in 
that revival season, that he found himself, either by solicita- 
tion or from the impulse of his own earnest soul, drawn away 
from his own special field, to engage in like efforts with other 
churches and ministers, yet probably without neglecting his 
own flock. We find him in Enfield, July 8, 1741, listening 
to that memorable sermon of Edwards, entitled " Sinners in 
the hands of an angry God," from the text, "Their foot shall 
slide in due time ;" and his report of that meeting to Dr. 
Trumbull, gives that historian this passage: "AVhile the peo- 
ple in the neighboring towns were in great distress for their 
souls, the inhabitants of that town were very secure, loose and 
vain. A lecture had been appointed at Enfield, and the 
neighboring people, the night before, were so affected at tlie 
thoughtlessness of the inhabitants, and in such fear that God 
would, in his righteous judgment, pass them by, while the 
divine showers were falling all around them, as to be prostrate 
before him a considerable part of it, supplicating mercy for 
their souls. When the time appointed for the lecture came, 
a number of the neighboring ministers attended, and some 
from a distance. When they went into the meeting-house, 
the appearance of the assembly was thoughtless and vain. The 
people hardly conducted themselves with common decency. 
The Rev. Mr. Edwards, of Northampton, preached, and before 
the sermon was ended, the assembly appeared deeply impressed 
and bowed down, with an awful conviction of their sin and 
danger. There was such a breathing of distress, and weep- 
ing, that the preacher was obliged to speak to the people and 
desire silence, that he might be heard. This was the begin- 
ning of the same great and prevailing concern in that place, 
with which the colony in general was visited." 

Three months later we find Mr. Wheelock journeying 
towards Boston, and he lets us trace his steps by his private 
journal, a few notes from which will serve to show us the 
spirit of the man, and the character of his labors. 

"October 21,1741. Rode to Voluntown. There is a great 
work in this town, but more of the footsteps of satan than in 
any place I have yet been in. At their conference in the eve- 



9 

ning I mentioned some of the devices of satan, which I 
apprehend they are in danger of, and heard the accounts of a 
number of new converts. 

October 22. Rose this morning refreshed; found my soul 
stretching after God. Preached twice, with enlargement, by 
Mr. Smith's barn, to great assembhes. Many cried out; 
many stood trembhng ; the whole assembly very solemn and 
much affection ; four or five converted. 

24. About two miles from Providence, met Mr. Knight and 
another man, who came out to meet us. His first salutation 
was, ' God bless you, my dear brother.' Rev. Mr. Cotton 
came ; invited me to preach. 

25. Rode with Mr. Knight into town. Preached three 
sermons, 2 Cor. 13, 5 ; Mark 1, 2 ; Luke 10, ult. 

30. Had a great sense of my own badness and unworthi- 
ness, of what a cursed heart I have. Lord, let me see and 
know more of it. Rode to Norton. Preached to a full 
assembly; much affection and sobbing through the whole 
assembly. 

November 1. Went with brother Byram to Taunton; 
preached there. Appointed another meeting in the evening. 
A great work in the town. I was forced to break off my ser- 
mon before it was done, the outcry was so great. 

November 2. Rode with a great number to Bridgewater. 
Preached to a full assembly, in Mr. Shaw's meeting-house. 

3. Rode with a great number to Mr. Perkins' meeting- 
house. A very full assembly. So many wounded that I 
could not leave them. Therefore preached again to a full 
assembly. 

6. Set out for Boston. Met by dear Mr. Prince and Mr. 
Bromfield, about eight miles from Boston. Came in to Mr. 
Bromfield's. Soon after my arrival, came the Hon. Josiah 
Willard, Secretary, Rev. Mr. Webb, and Mr. Cooper, and 
Major Sewal, to bid me welcome to Boston. At six o'clock 
preached for Mr. Webb, to a great assembly. 

8. Went to Dr. Coleman's meeting ; preached with con- 
siderable freedom. Dined with the Dr. Went with Mr. 
Rogers to Mr. Prince's. Preached to a full assembly. After 



10 

meeting was followed by a great throng of children, who im- 
portiinatelj desired me to give them a word of exhortation in 
a private house, which I consented to do, thougli 1 designed 
to go and hear Mr. Prince, who, being by, desired that I would 
have it publicly, which I consented to. 

9. Visited this morning by a great number of persons 
under soul trouble. Refused to preach because I designed to 
go out of town. Just as I was going, came Mr. Webb and 
told me the people were meeting together to hear another 
sermon. I consented to preach again. A scholar from Cam- 
bridge being present, who came to get me to go to Cambridge, 
hastened to Cambridge, and by a little after six a great part 
of the scholars had got to Boston. Preached to a very 
thronged assembly, many more than could get into the house, 
with very great freedom and enlargement. I believe the 
childi'en of God were very much refreshed." 

We see from these extracts how heartily Mr. Wheelock 
entered into this new revival-work, becoming indeed one of 
the chief leaders in it, and witnessing the same wonderful 
results of his labors abroad in other towns, that he had just 
before seen here at home. So constant were his efforts to 
bring sinners to Christ, that in one year " he preached a hun- 
dred more sermons than there are days in the year." 

It might seem at times that he laid himself liable to the 
charge of being an enthusiast, as indulging in extravagancies 
and unwarranted hopes in respect to the cha'racter of his work. 
Yet he was actually so far from countenancing the extreme 
fanatics of his day, that we find one of those who were termed 
Separatists, dealing with him thus thoroughly: — "Yet all 
this," — afflictions and losses that he had spoken of, — "never 
went so near to my soul as it does to hear and see the blessed 
work and ways of the glorious God, called errors and delu- 
sions of the devil. Pray, sir, let me deal plainly now, and 
don't be angry. Do you think you are out of danger of com- 
mitting the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost? It 
would not surprise me much to hear that God had opened 
the flood-gates of his wrath, and let out the horrors of con- 
science on you, and many more of your party who deny the 



11 

truth, so that you should die in as great despair as Judas or 
Spira did." So much for the attack on that side. But, on 
the other hand, many of the ministers of New England were 
very apprehensive of the result of this great movement, and 
some set themselves directly and strongly against it, caution- 
ing their churches not to come under its influences. Mem- 
bers were suspended from communion "for going to hear Mr. 
Whitfield, Mr. Wheelock, Mr. Pomeroy, and other zealous 
preachers." Dr. Chauncey, of Boston, in a published work, 
represented Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Wheelock as the principal 
instruments of the disorders and confusions in Connecticut. 
Between these two opposite pressures, it is quite likely that 
the pastor of Lebanon Crank pursued his even course, looking 
only to his Master for light and direction. There were men 
of rashness and of very folly in the methods which they 
adopted in that time of the Great Awakening, and with these 
Mr. Wheelock was sometimes indiscriminately classed. But 
one of the foremost of these men, Mr. James Davenport, 
came to see his sin and folly, and applied to Rev. Solomon 
Williams, of Lebanon, and Mr. Wheelock, to know what he 
should do ; and, chiefly through the influence of these two 
ministers of Lebanon, he was led to a public confession and 
retraction. 

■ Now would you know just what that preaching was which 
stirred the souls of your fathers and mothers of that olden 
time, and which wrought such commotion in many another 
parish, far and near ? Listen then to the report by the his- 
torian, Dr^;_Trumbull, a native of Hebron, and who "lived 
sometime in the family of Dr. Wheelock." "The doctrines 
preached by those famous men," Pomeroy and Wheelock, 
" who were owned as the principal instruments of this extra- 
ordinary revival of God's work, were the doctrines of the 
reformation ; the doctrine of original sin ; of regeneration by 
the supernatural influences of the divine Spirit, and of the 
absolute necessity of it, that any man might bear good fruit, 
or ever be admitted into the kingdom of God ; effectual call- 
ing ; justification by faith wholly on account of the imputed 
righteousness of Jesus Christ; repentance toward God, and 



12 

faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ; the perseverance of the 
saints; the indwelling influence of the Holy Spirit in them; 
and its divine consolations and joys." 

Two of his sermons are particularly spoken of in the narra- 
tive of those revivals, as having been attended with marked 
results ; one from the text, " What is the hope of the hypo- 
crite though he hath gained, when God taketh away the 
soul?" showing "how far a man might go in religion, and 
after all be no more than a hypocrite," and then " the miser- 
able end of the hypocrite ;" the other from the text, " He that 
believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth 
not shall be damned;" describing a "saving faith in Clirist, 
giving many distinguishing marks of it, and finally insisting 
that all without exception, who would not believe, would most 
certainly be damned." Not many of his sermons were written 
in full ; as his duties and cares became more pressing he em- 
ployed only brief notes. 

Mr. Wheelock received the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
from the University at Edinburg, June 29, 1767. 

His labors in connection with Moor's Indian Charity School 
will be noticed in another place. It was in the interests of 
this enterprise that he deemed it best to sever his relation 
from this people, and move, with his pupils, into the wild 
lands of New Hampshire, where, in connection with the 
school, Dartmouth College was founded, and Dr. Wheelock 
became its first President. 

In April, 1770, the ecclesiastical society concurred with the 
vote of the church to submit the matter of Dr. Wheelock's 
dismission to the decision of the western committee of the 
association of Windham county, with which association, this 
church, through its pastor, was then connected, and he was 
accordingly dismissed that year, having held the pastoral office 
thirty-five years. In August, he left for his new home in 
Hanover, New Hampshire ; cut away the pine trees ; built a 
log hut eighteen feet square ; in three months after had a one 
story house for himself and family, and a two story house for 
his College ; and in the next August a class of four young 
men was graduated. He presided over the College, preach- 



13 

ing to the students and the people of the village, eight years. 
Having been seized with epilepsy he lingered three months, 
and, at the age of sixty-eight, died April 24, 1779, singing and 
longing, " Though I walk through the valley of the shadow 
of death, I will fear no evil." "I have a desire to depart and 
be with Christ." 

Dr. Wheelock is described as " of middle stature and size, 
well proportioned, erect and dignified. His features were 
prominent, his eyes a light blue and animated. His com- 
plexion was fair, and the general expression of his counten- 
ance pleasing and handsome. His voice was remarkably full, 
harmonious and commanding. His movements while in the 
desk were natural and impressive, and his eloquence irresist" 
ible. His preaching and addresses were close and pungent, 
and yet winning beyond almost all comparison, so that his 
audience would be melted even into tears before they were 
aware of it." 

He was first married in April, 1735, to Mrs. Sarah Maltby, 
widow of Capt. William Maltby, of New Haven, and daughter 
of Rev. Jolm Davenport, of Stamford. She died in this place 
November 13, 1746, at the age of forty-three, and her grave 
is to be fmtnd near the center of the old cemetery. Her 
daughter Euth was married to Rev. William Patten, of Hart- 
ford, and there are those still with us who remember Mrs. 
Patten in her old age, in Hartford, and who listened to her 
interested inquiries about Lebanon Crank. The second wife 
of Dr. Wheelock was Miss Mary Brinsmade, of Milford. They 
had five children; Mary, who married Bezaleel Woodward^ 
first Professor of Mathematics in Dartmouth College; Abigail, 
who married Rev. Sylvaniis Ripley, one of the first four grad- 
uates, and first Professor of Theology in the same institution; 
John, also of the first class, and successor of his father in the 
Presidency, nearly forty years; Col. Eleazer Wheelock and 
James Wheelock. Two sons by his first wife, both bearing 
his name, died in infancy, and are buried by the side of the 
motlier. 

The publications of Dr. Wheelock are, " A Narrative of the 
Indian Charity School at Lebanoii," 1762; a Sermon at the 
^ 2 



14 

Ordination of Charles Jeffrey Smith, 1763 ; "Narratives" in 
several numbers from 1763 to 1771; "Continuation of the 
Narrative," 1773; A Sermon on "Liberty of Conscience, or 
no king but Christ in the church," 1775. His Memoirs, by 
Drs. McClure and Parish, were published in 1811. 

In a scrap of Church Record which lias been furnished from 
Dr. Wheelock's old papers by Rev. William Allen, D. D., of 
Northampton, who married his grand-daughter, we have the 
following item : " At a meeting of the brethren of the church 
of Christ in Lebanon North Parish, February 14, A. D. 
1737-8, the church then voted that they would choose a com- 
petent number of the most judicious, prudent and skillful of 
the brethren of the church, and set them apart for, and com- 
mit to them, the management of all affairs in church govern- 
ment, in all ordinary cases, and appoint them to examine, try 
and judge of the same in their name and behalf, under the 
conduct of their minister or pastor, and to advise, assist and 
help him in any matters wherein he shall desire or require 
their help and assistance ; and pursuant to this vote this 
church made choice of these brethren, in the order following, 
to represent them: Deacon John Newcomb, Deacon Joseph 
Clark, Captain Ephraim Sprague, Mr. James Wright, Mr. 
Nehemiah Clossen, Mr. Josiah Lyman, Mr. Thomas Wood- 
ward, Lieutenant Henry Woodward, Ensign John Daggett." 
How long this Church Council, as it was called, was kept iu 
existence can not be determined, but since it appears to have 
come into disfavor with some very soon, it is quite probable 
that it was discontinued before the close of Dr. Wheelock's 
pastorate. 

A little more than two years passed and the fourth pastor 
was settled, Rev. Thomas Brockway. Mr. Brockway was 
born in Lyme, in the year 1744. He was graduated at Yale 
College, in 1768. 

In January, 1772, he received a call to settle over this 
church and society. The terms of his settlement were as fol- 
lows: "Yoted to give Mr. Thomas Brockway two hundred 
pounds settlement, one hundred to be paid at the end of the 
first year, and fifty pounds at the end of each of the two fol- 



15 

lowing years. Also, to give him ninety pounds salary, and to 
get liiin as many cords of wood yearly, at six shillings a cord, 
as he desires, not exceeding thirty cords, to be redacted out 
of the above ninety pounds." 

He was ordained the 24th of June, 1772. The Wednesday 
previous was observed as a day of fasting and prayer with 
reference to the occasion. A person was chosen " in behalf 
of the church and society to return thanks to the Reverend 
Council for their kind assistance in ordaining Mr. Brockway." 
The ministers invited on the Council were, Rev. Messrs. Sol- 
omon Williams, of Lebanon; Timothy Stone, of Goshen; 
Joseph Huntington, of South Coventry; Benjamin Pomeroy, 
of Hebron; Samuel Lockwood, of Andover; George Beck- 
with and Stephen Johnson. The sermon was preached by 
Rev. Samuel Clark, of Kensington, from 2 Cor. 4, 1, which, 
in accordance with a vote of the society, was published. 

The earliest Church Records, of any extent, are in the 
hand-writing of Mr. Brockway, commencing with his settle- 
ment. When he begau his ministry, the church consisted 
of sixty-nine members; thirty-two males, and thirty-seven 
females. He was with this people during the troublous times 
of war, when the life of some of our churches, as well as of 
many of our noble-hearted patriots, was put in jeopardy. He 
was ready to share with his peoj)le in their pecuniary strug- 
gles, proposing " to give in fifteen pounds a year till the enemy 
withdrew, and ten pounds a year till the Continental debt be 
paid." But this was not enough. As soon as the news of the 
burning of New London reached this place, " he started oflf / 
with his long gun and deacons and parishioners to assist in \ 
doing battle with the enemy." 

The seasons of special religious interest during his ministry 
will be noticed in his own words, taken from an account pub- 
lished near the close of his life, in April, 1803, in the Con- 
necticut Evangelical Magazine. "Compared with other ac- 
counts, I have little to say, yet on the score of sovereign 
grace, and the almighty power of the divine Spirit, in subdu- 
ing the sinner, I have much to say. I can bear the same tes- 
timony with those that have labored in a larger field, that 



16 

with the Lord there is mercy, and with hiin is plenteous 
redemption. In the year 1781, it pleased God to revive his 
work among us ; a special attention and uncommon serious- 
ness seemed to prevail in all parts of the society; and the 
happy effects for many years were sensibly felt. At that sea- 
son there were upwards of thirty added to the church. After 
that, there was nothing special took place, except in individual 
cases, for twenty years; during which period the spirit of 
vital religion was reduced to a very languid state. This will 
ever be the case without fresh anointings from the Spirit. 
Toward the latter end of March, in the year 1801, two or 
three pious people agreed to meet and pray for a revival of 
religion among us. This was soon discovered and others 
joined. The numbers increased weekly, and in the May and 
June following, our meetings became crowded, and the Spirit 
of God in the conviction of a number was evidently seen 
among us. A public lecture was appointed, in which I was 
favored "odth the kind assistance of my brethren in the minis- 
try. Our conferences were attended three or four times in 
the week; but the most crowded, and that which discovered 
most of the power of the Spirit was on Thursday in the after- 
noon. During this period religion appeared not to be a sec- 
ondary object, but the one thing needful. Sabbaths seemed 
too far distant, and the appointed seasons of conference were 
waited for with anticipated delight. The work, however, was 
far from being general among the people. There were some 
from almost every part of the society ; and some families so 
peculiarly distinguished, that it might almost be said of them 
as of the favored house at which our Lord when in the flesh 
so often called, that they were all friends to Jesus. To the 
serious, contemplative mind, there was a striking display of 
the sovereign, discriminating grace of God. While one family 
was wholly occupied with the concerns of the soul, perhaps a 
few rods at the next door, nothing of it was to be seen ; they 
were wholly unmoved, unless with a spirit of opposition. The 
work, in its early stage, took deep hold of j)rofessors. They 
seemed to awake as from sleep, and the prosperity of Zion was 
the object of their united prayers. Love to one another, and 



17 

zeal for the cause animated them, with but few exceptions. 
The still small voice has characterized the work from the 
beginning, without any thing of an opposite nature." 

One still remains with us who was a subject of that revival 
of 1801, and united with the church that year, whose wife, — 
also a subject and uniting with the church then, — has passed 
away during the present year. Thirty-five were added to the 
church as the fruits of that revival. The whole number 
admitted to the church during Mr. Brockway's ministry was 
139, of whom twenty-nine were by letter. 

Having been ill and not able to preach for a few weeks, he 
went to Lyme, his native place, for the benefit of his health, 
and there he died suddenly on the night of the fourth of July, 
1807. His body was brought to Columbia, and on Monday 
the sixth, the funeral was attended by a large concourse of 
people. The sermon was preached by Rev. Zebulon Ely, of 
Lebanon, from Hebrews 13: 7, 8, "Remember them which 
have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word 
of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their con- 
versation, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and to day and 
forever." And some there are still with us who do "remem- 
ber," with reverence, with esteem and with affection, that holy 
man of God, who "ruled over" them so gently and with such 
a tender care for the flock, whose words were spoken as by 
the servant of God, and whose ministry was manifestly accept- 
able to the Great Head of the Church. 

His pastorate was just the same number of years as Dr. 
Wheelock^sTthirty-five. He died at the age of sixty-two, and 
you read uponliis tomb-stone in yonder cemetery, — " As an 
husband, he was tender; as a father, affectionate; and as a 
friend, sincere. As a minister of Christ, he shunned not to 
declare all the counsel of God, and was wise in turning men 
to righteousness." 

Mr. Brockway married Eunice Lathrop, of Norwich, Decem- 
ber 18, 1772. They had thirteen children, three sons and 
ten daughters ; two of whom, a son and daughter are buried 
by the side of the father. Mrs. Brockway died in 1823. 

He published an epic poem, entitled " The Gospel Tragedy," 



18 

in 1795 ; a sermon on " Virtue its own rewarder," in 1795 ; 
and one at the ordination of Bezaleel Pinneo. in Milford, 
October 26, 179G, from Colossians 1 : 26, 27. 

Nearly four years elapsed before the fifth pastor was settled, 
Rev .Thomas Rich. Mr. Rich was born in Warren, Massa- 
chusetts, February 9, 1775, and was graduated at Dartmouth 
College, in 1799. He was ordained pastor of the church in 
Westbrook, June 13, 1804, from which church he was dis- 
missed September 5, 1810. He was installed pastor of this 
church and society March 6, 1811. The sermon was preached 
by Rev. Salmon Cone, of Colchester. 

During his ministry, in June, 1814, the church adopted a 
form of Covenant and Confession of Faith. Near the close of 
his ministry, in the year 1816, a season of revival was enjoyed, 
as the fruits of which forty-six were added to the church. He 
was dismissed June 13, 1817, having been pastor but six years. 
He afterwards preached in Sharon, Massachusetts, and in 
Salisbury, Massachusetts, and died in Amesbury, September, 
1836, at the age of sixty-one. 

The sixth pastor was Rev. William Burton. He was born 
in Washington, Vermont, anB"was graduated at Dartmouth 
College, in 1815. He was ordained here February 24, 1818; 
sermon by Rev. Chauncey Booth, of South Coventry. He 
preached but a few times, holding the pastoral office only six- 
teen months, and was dismissed June 23, 1819. From here 
he went to the southern states, but spent the chief part of his 
life preachhig in Ohio, where he died in 1858. 

The seventh pastor was Rev^ David Dickinson. He was 
born in Conway, Massachusetts, July 22, 1770. He was first 
engaged in the medical profession for six years. After enter- 
ing the ministry he was settled in Plainfield, New Hampshire, 
for eighteen years. He was installed here January 19, 1820. 
The churches invited on the Council were, Hebron, third 
church in Chatham, (now East Hampton,) Ellington, Exeter, 
South Coventry, and Andover. The sermon was preached 
by Rev. Amos Bassett, D. D., of Hebron; charge to the pastor, 
by Rev. Joel West, of Chatham ; right hand of fellowship, by 



19 

Rev. Chauncey Booth, of South Coventry; and address to the 
people, by Rev. Diodate Brockway, of Ellington. 

In the early part of Mr. Dickinson's ministry there were 
marked indications of the presence of the Holy Spirit, and his 
labors were blessed in many hopeful convereions, so that in 
the year 1821 there were added to the church by profession, 
twenty-three, and fifteen in each of the years 1823 and 1825. 
But in 1831, there was a more extensive and powerful work 
of divine grace ; this church sharing largely in the blessing 
which was so widely experienced throughout the State. In 
that year forty-one were added to the church by profession. 
The whole number added during his ministry of seventeen 
years, was 123, of whom twenty united by letter. He was 
dismissed July 4, 1837. After his removal from this place 
he resumed the practice of medicine, and died in Mexico, N. 
y., January 1, 1857, aged eighty-seven. 

The eighth pastor, Rev. Charles Kittredge, was born in 
Newburyport, Massachusetts, in August, 1809, and was grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College, in 1831. He was ordained here 
March 27, 1839, after having supplied the pulpit nearly a 
year. The churches acting in the Council were, Ellington, 
South Coventry, North Coventry, Bolton, Andover, Hebron, 
North Mansfield, and Gilead. Rev. Bennett Tyler, D. D., of 
East Windsor, preached the sermon, from Isaiah 58, 1 ; charge 
to the pastor by Rev. George A. Calhoun, of North Coventry; 
right hand of fellowship by Rev. Alpha Miller, of Andover ; 
and address to the people by Rev. William Ely, of North 
Mansfield. 

In the latter part of the year 1839, the pastor proposed 
" an abridgement in the language of the Confession of Faith, 
and the addition of proof texts, and to have the same printed, 
together with the covenant' and a catalogue of all the names 
of the members of the church, in pamphlet form, and one 
copy for each member ;" which proposal, after due delibera- 
tion, was approved, and, on June 9th, 1840, our confession 
and covenant, as at present existing, were adopted. 

Being unable to preach for a considerable time from im- 
paired health, Mr. Kittredge asked the church to agree with 



20 

him in calling a council for his dismission, to which request 
the church and society consented, and he was accordingly dis- 
missed Feb. IGth, 1841, after a pastorate of only two years, 
in which time nine were added to the church. He afterwards 
preached, for a time, in West Greece, N. Y., in which place 
he now resides, without any pastoral charge. 

The ninth pastor was Rev. James Wheelock Woodward, a 
descendant, in the fourth generation, of Dr. Wheelock. He 
was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, March 30, 1805, and 
was graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1826. For nine 
years he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Shrews- 
bury, New Jersey. After preaching here several months, he 
was installed March 23d, 1842. The churches comprising the 
council were. South Coventry, North Coventry, Andover, 
Gilead, East Stafford, Marlboro and Willimantic. The ser- 
mon, from II Cor., ii : 16, was preached by Rev. Jonathan 
Cogswell, D. D., of East Windsor; Charge to the pastor by 
Rev. Chauncey Booth, of South Coventry ; Right Hand of 
Fellowship, by Rev. George H. Woodward, of East Stafford, 
brother of the candidate ; and Address to the people by Rev. 
Charles Nicliols, of Gilead. 

During the year previous to his settlement, his labors with 
this people were largely blessed, and 17 were added to the 
church near the close of the year. During his ministry 56 
were received to the church. He was dismissed Oct. 12th, 
1848, having been pastor nearly seven years. 

After leaving this place he resided, for a time, in Flatbush, 
Long Island, and then in Albany, N. Y., where he was en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits ; and again, for a few months, 
in Columbia ; nearly all this time under treatment for that 
dread disease which was disfiguring his face and by whicli his 
life was terminated. His last two years were spent in Iowa, 
whither he went, as he said, " to die with his brother." He 
was, however, able to labor there happily and successfully, 
till near the close of his life, connected, most of the time, 
with the Congregational church in Irving. He died in Toledo, 
Iowa, at the house of his brother. Rev. George H. Woodward, 
Jan. 6th, 1864, aged 58. In his funeral sermon, preached by 



21 

Rev. Mr. Dodd, wc have this passage : " How has grace 
abounded in all his comfort ! always satisfied and thankful, 
he received his affliction as the wisely-directed allotment of a 
loving Father, chastening an erring child for his good. Ho 
felt, under all, that God is good when he afflicts as when he 
comforts. Though for a long time a great sufferer, he was 
never known to utter a word of complaint. While he had 
breath he praised -his God. For years he had looked death 
in the face, and, though nature always shrinks from it as an 
enemy, through grace he had been enabled to see it disarmed 
of its sting, and to greet it with a smile, yea, with triumph. 
' 0, death where is thy sting ? 0, grave where is thy victory ? 
Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our 
Lord Jesus Christ.' " 

Mr. Woodward was married in 1834, to Miss Jane Ten- 
brook, of Shrewsbury, New Jersey. She died in Albany, 
New York, Dec. 6th, 1857. 

The tenth and present pastor was ordained here, June 11, 
1850. The sermon was preached by Rev. Abel McEwen, 
n. D., of New London ; Charge to the pastor by Rev. George 
A. Calhoun, of North Coventry ; Right Hand of Fellowship, 
by Rev. John Avery, of Exeter ; and Address to the people 
by Rev. Samuel G. Willard, of Willimantic. 

During the present pastorate the church has enjoyed three 
seasons of revival : in 1854, when 26 were added to the 
church ; in 1858, when 20 were added to the church ; and in 
1865, giving an accession of 22. And besides these three, it is 
a most happy coincidence that we are observing this 150tli 
anniversary just in the midst of a work of grace, so marvel- 
ous and so wide-spread in this town, reaching especially so 
many of the men and women in and past mid-life, that it 
seems as if we were indeed carried back to that mighty work 
of God, here in Lebanon Crank, in the first year of Dr. 
Wheelock's ministry. And just here would we desire to re- 
cord our grateful sense of this great and undeserved favor of 
God, extended to us within , the month past, in connection 
with the labors of Rev. John D. Potter. 

The wife of the present pastor, Mrs. Julia S. Avery, daiigh- 
3 



22 

ter of Roswell and Phebe H. Smith, of New Haven, died 
here June 24th, 1855 ; and at the grave stands a fitting mon- 
ument, erected by the ladies of the Parish, — a soothing token 
of their affectionate remembrance of one whose dehglit it 
was to share in the joys and sorrows and duties of the people 
whom she fondly loved. 

In the latter part of the year 1860, a new catalogue and 
manual was printed for the use of the church. The present 
list of members contains 130 names, 47 males and 83 fe- 
males.* 

THE DEACONS OF THE CHURCH. 

Of some of these scarcely more can here be noted than the 
bare names. No date of election can be positively ascertain- 
ed until the beginning of the present century. Previous to 
that time we take the year in which they are first called dea- 
cons in the society records, as very near the time of their 
election. The first deacons mentioned are Samuel Wright 
and John Newcomb, and these persons undoubtedly ofhciated 
from the first. 

Deacon Sainjiel Wright, died April 18, 17^34, aged 61. 

Deacon John Newcomb was the son of Simeon and Deb- 
orah Newcomb, and was born in Edgarton, Mass., about the 
year 1688. He moved from here to Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, 
where he died Feb. 22, 1765. 

Deaxion Joseph Clark is mentioned as holding the ofl[ice as 
early as 1735. His tombstone bears this testimony : " Capt. 
Joseph Clark Esq., a man who was faithful in his private and 
public life ; used the office of deacon well, endured his last 
sickness with patience, and died in hope of a blessed immor- 
tality, Sept. 10, 1769, in the 78th year of his age." 

Deacon Eliakim Tapper, is spoken of in the year 1741, but 
how long he held the office, or when he died, is not ascer- 
tained. 

Deacon James Wright is also mentioned as early as the 
year 1745. 

*To this number add 39 received into the church in Jan. 1867, of whom 3 by 
letter. 



23 

Deacon Josiali Lyman held the office from about 1T50 till 
his death, Feb. 6, 1760, at the age of 70. 

Deacon Thomas Lyman served about the same time, and 
we have this record on his tombstone : " He was a man of 
great experience in the christian religion. Pew in our world 
have enjoyed a more constant communion with Heaven, or, 
at intervals, had greater discoveries of divine things. His life 
was zealous and exemplary, his death was peaceful and tri- 
umphant. He did great honor to religion while he lived, but 
greater when he died. In his last moments were seen the 
power of the divine life and tlie most convincing proof of the 
truth of th'e christian religion." He died Aug. 13, 1785, in 
the 80th year of his age. 

Deacon Israel Woodward united with this church in 1736, 
and was performing the duties of the office as early as 1752. 
He died July 30, 1797, in the 90th year of his age. We have 
this inscription at his grave : " He was eminent for his piety 
towards God and usefulness to the world, and came to his 
grave lil^e a shock of corn fully ripe. The memory of the 
just is blessed." 

Deacon James Pinneo, born in 1708, held the office as early 
as 1755. He died April 16, 1789, aged 80 ; and his tomb- 
stone tells us : 

"Tlie swecfc remembrance of the just, 
Shall flourish when they sleep in dust." 

'■^ Deacon Preserved Wright was holding the office at the 
\ time of Dr. Wheelock's removal, and accompanied him to 
■ Hanover, N. H. 

Deacon Jabez Kingsbury is spoken of as early as 1768, but 
no further record is found of him. 

Deacon Samuel Dunham united with the church in 1741. 
On his tombstone is written : " A man of real worth in private 
and public character, his usefiilness in society was such tliat 
he might fitly be called a blessing in his day. He professed 
hearty friendship to the cause of Christ, which both his life 
and his death witnessed to. be genuine. . In the lively hope of 
a blessed immortality, he departed this life Dec. 9, 1779, in 
the 62d year of his age." 



24 

Deacon Daniel Dunham, son of Deacon Samuel Dunham, 
united with the cliurch in 17G9. He removed from town, 
and where and when lie died has not been ascertained. 

Deacon Wadsworth Brewster is remembered by two or 
three of the oldest members of the church, as fulfilling the 
duties of the office in the first days of their communing with 
this church. He died May 30, 1812, at the age of 75, and at 
his grave we read : " Mark the perfect man, and behold the 
upright; for the end of that man is peace." 

Deacon James Pinneo, son of Deacon James and Priscilla 
Pinneo, was born April 5, 1734 ; united with this church in 
1793 ; and died June 14, 1824, at the full age of 90. 

Deacon Samuel Barstow, was born in Exeter, April 8, 17G0. 
When he was about ten years of age, his father moved into 
this Parish. At the age of seventeen he yielded his heart to 
Clu'ist after a protracted struggle, in which he was made to 
see the fearful guilt of his strong rebellion against God. He 
did not, however, unite with the church till Sept., 1781. He 
was chosen deacon in 1801. The characteristic feature of 
his spirit and life would quite truly be expressed by that 
scripture, " not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving 
the Lord." He was ever ready to introduce and carry on 
religious conversation. In seasons of religious interest in 
neighboring towns he would find it his delight to be present 
with his whole soul, sharing in and helping on the good 
work. "In 1801 he was one of three brethren who com- 
menced a weekly prayer meeting in his own district on Thurs- 
day evening. They longed for a revival of religion, and they 
determined to seek it in the appointed way. They began to 
inquire of tlie Lord for it. And while they were yet speak- 
ing, the Lord heard and answered them. The meetings filled 
up, christians awoke to prayerful efforts, and sinners inquired, 
'what shall we do?'" Thus began that powerful work of 
grace in 1801-2. So too in 1816, he was very active in origi- 
nating those meetings for prayer which resulted in another 
blessed revival. And even when he had passed his fourscore 
years, " he wished to be a fellow-helper to the truth, and 
consented to act as one of a committee to go from house to 



25 

lieuse and converse and pray with families. Just before his 
death, he said, "I am willing to stay just as long, and suffer 
just as much pain, as may please the Lord. But I long to go. 
I feel tliat for every brother on earth, I have fifteen in heaven, 
and I long to be with them. I love them, but I love the 
Saviour more. Precious, precious Saviour." He died Feb. 
27, 1846, aged 86. A sketch of his life was published in 
pamphlet form, and was made one of tlie tracts of the Ameri- 
can Tract Society. 

Deacon Daniel Lord united with this church by letter in 
the year 1800. He was chosen to the office in 1801. He re- 
moved from this town to Bolton where he died in 1834. 

Deacon Henry Bliss was chosen to the office in 1810, and 
died May 27, 1815, at the age of 73. 

Deacon Benjamin Lyman, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth 
Lyman, united with this church Oct. 18, 1809. He was chosen 
deacon in 1813, and having obtained help of God, he re- 
mains with us until this day. He had anticipated this Anni- 
versary with very great interest, hoping he might have strength 
to be pre'sent, but the hand of his Heavenly Father is upon 
him in sickness and infirmities, and he is only awaiting a 
happier day tlian this. 

Deacon Sylvester Manley united with this church Oct. 18, 
1809, and was chosen deacon in 1815. He removed to Penn- 
sylvania where he died in 1833. 

Deacon Silas Holbrook, son of John and Sarah Holbrook, 
united with this church in 1814. He was chosen to the office in 
1831. A man of great simplicity of character, and of de- 
vout, humble spirit, earnest and importunate in prayer, his 
memory is cherished with esteem by the whole community. 
He died Feb. 19, 1861, aged 79. 

Deacon Lorenzo W. Dewey, son of Eleazar (the sole rem- 
nant of the revival of 1801,) and Lydia Dewey, united with 
this church in 1823. He was chosen deacon July 8, 1843, 
and is still performing the duties of the office. 

Deacon Cliester W. Lyman, son of Chester and Sophia Ly- 
man, united with this churcli in 1823, and was chosen deacon 
April 30, 1858, which office he still holds. 



26 



THE SABBATH SCHOOL. 

This school was first organized in May, 1820, chiefly through 
the agency of Rev. Alfred Wright. Deacon Benjamin Ly- 
man was the first superintendent, which position he contin- 
ued to hold for fourteen years. The first lesson given to the 
school was the first chapter of John, and each scholar was to 
repeat as many verses as could be remembered. The scholars 
in those classes of 1820, have mostly passed away in death, a few 
remain to compare those beginnings with the school of the 
present day, which numbers about 150. For 35 years the 
school was discontinued through the winter, but the last 10 
or 12 years show that it has an unbroken life. It has had a 
part in benevolent contributions, annually for 9 years pre- 
vious to May, 1865 ; since which time by weekly collections. 
The Fortieth Anniversary of the school was observed in 1860. 

Such is a cursory glance at the history of this church, ex- 
tending over a period of 150 years. It has had its trial 
scenes, but not so severe as many of the early planted 
churches. It lias preserved, nearly complete, its original ter- 
ritory, the sole occupant. It has not been subjected to those 
unhappy vicissitudes which are incident to a fluctuating pop- 
ulation. Generations have come up, one after another, adopt- 
ing, quite generally, the same form of christian doctrine and 
mode of worship, thereby preserving unimpaired the strength 
and numbers of the church ; and this, doubtless, is to be at- 
tributed, in a great measure, under God, to the thorough 
doctrinal inculcation and long continued labors of its two 
early pastors. 

Here also have been experienced, from time to time, re- 
freshing seasons from the presence of the Lord, enkindling 
anew the faith and the zeal of the churcli, and gathering 
spiritual harvests from each successive generation. 

In view of these untold blessings, with what gratitude and 
praise to the Great Head of the Church should we remem- 
ber all tliis way. God hath given you the goodly lieritage. 
He established it here and has preserved it through more 
than "the third and fourth generation," that it maybe a 



27 

blessing to you of to-day. Here, on this day of commemo- 
ration, give God the praise, and forget never, all these his 
benefits. 

Remember also, with grateful affection, those fathers and 
mothers in Israel, who, at whatever point in all this way, be 
it earlier or later, have passed on before you to their Heaven- 
ly Father's rest. They acted and planned with reference to 
those who should come after. For you they labored, for you 
they prayed. Be yours the grateful heart, the affectionate 
remembrance and the just appreciation of their self-denying 
exertions in behalf of this beloved Zion. 

Here also take up a due sense of your own responsibility. 
These blessings have descended to you by vigilance and faith- 
fulness on the part of your fathers. Just in the same way 
must these blessings pass down to your children and your 
children's children. The inheritance, handed down so far in 
its integrity, is now in your hands, and yours is the responsi- 
bility of transmitting it, unimpaired, to those who come after 
you. Be mindful then of this solemn and weighty responsi- 
bility ; be faithful to your priceless trust, that at some distant 
Anniversary day, fifty and a hundred years hence, it may be 
among the highest sources of gratulation, that here, even in 
your day, the people of God were found seeking the Lord and 
Zion was made to prosper. 



28 



TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF REV. THOMAS BROCKWAY, 
ONE OF THE PASTORS OF THE CHURCH. 

By Doct. 0. B. Lyman, Hartfokd. 

One spot dear to memory let us turn now to view, 
The scenes of the past it will call up anew ; 
'Tis that spot where once stood the house for God's praise, 
"Where worshiped the fathers in earlier days. 
The house in its structure was ancient and plain. 
Its pews did no carpets or cushions contain; 
No soft seated sofa its pulpit to grace, 
No costly chandelier to light up the place ; 
No glowing hot furnace to displace the cold. 
Unknown were such things to the churches of old. 
As an aid to the speaker's laborious tongue. 
O'er his head a broad sounding canopy hung; 
• And perched on its top was the foi-m of a dove, 
An olive branch bearing the emblem of love. 
There first in the pulpit we, hoary heads, saw 
An advocate stand for the truth of God's law, 
And heard him proclaim the Gospel of Peace, 
To the mourner a solace; to the captive, release. 
There first too we heard from the "church going bell," 
The saddening deep tones of a funeral knell; 
Or its call on the Sabbath for such as inclined. 
To go up to the temple to seek food for the mind. 
As onward time sped in its work of decay, 
There arose a desire for modern display; 
And at length 't was resolved a new structure to raise, 
That would better compare with the taste of our days ; 
But the site of the former most lonely is left, 
And of all that was sacred seems sadly bereft. 

Mark yonder old church-yard Avhere all is at rest, 
How calmly it lies there declined to the west ; 
This sacred spot enter with reverent tread, 
'Tis a place of reposit — a rest for the dead; 
Our fathers sleep there awaiting their time, 
To arise and put on immortality's prime; 



29 

And affection has reared many monuments there, 
Breathed many a sigh, and shed many a tear. 
O'er the graves of its kindred where silent they lie, 
While angels their spirits have becked up on high. 
How often we've wandered those lone graves among. 
And thought of that numerous celestial bright thi'ong, 
Of spirits immortal that peacefully roam, 
Through the elysian fields of the blest spirit home! 
Did sometimes the question then seem to arise, 
"Do these spirits roam far beyond the fair skies? 
Or do they draw near by an influx of soul, 
Our thoughts and affections for good to control ?" 

Mark there 'mid the graves of his people appears. 

The tombstone of Brockway, grown mossy with years ; 

Long, long lias he lain there beneath the cold sod. 

Yes, almost forgotten, that servant of God. 

Now could he to earth from the spirit-land come. 

And visit the spot where of old was his home, 

View the change that appears on the old village green. 

Where he walked in his day with dignified mien, 

Find the temple removed where he anciently stood. 

And pictured the cross stained with innocent blood. 

Old structures demolished and new ones upthrown. 

Familiar old faces and kindred all gone, — 

On the prospect how strangely his spirit would gaze, 

While the change it contrasted with primitive days ! 



80 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 

By John S. Yeomans. 



■ The second or new Ecclesiastical Society, as it was then 
sometimes called, was incorporated by the General Assembly 
of the Colony, at their May session in 1716. It is supposed 
that the Society immediately acted in the matter of procuring 
a minister, but we have no record evidence preserved for the 
next eight years. 

The first entry on our records is December 24th, 1724, 
when "Mr. Samuel Smith desired the Parish that he might 
lay down his Pastoral office to which they consented by vote." 
From that date to the present time we have a continuous, 
unbroken record of the transactions of the Society. The ter- 
ritorial limits of the Society, as defined at that time, are the 
same as the present boundaries of the town ; with the excep- 
tion of the triangular tract, set off to Andover, on the forma- 
tion of that Society, about the year 1748, and which contained 
at that time about twenty-four tax-payers, as appears by rate 
bills extant. The main portion of the territory was included 
in what is known as Clark and Dewey's purchase, and Joseph 
Clark and Benony Clark, two of the sons of William Clark, 
the Proprietor, were among the first settlers, and were the 
leading men of the Parish. 

The first acts of the Parish show that they were actuated by 
the same spirit that sent our Pilgrim Fathers to this then wild 
and rock-bound shore, — "Freedom to worship God," — conse- 
quently the Church and the School House claimed their 
earliest attention ; and we will first endeavor to trace their 
foot-prints in this direction. 



31 



MEETING HOUSES. 

The first Meeting House was raised probably some time 
during the summer of 1724. 

Where the Rev. Samuel Smith held his meetings we have 
no means of knowing, but probably at the house of Joseph 
Clark. 

A Parish meeting was held January 27th, 1725, at which 
meeting they " V^oted to give the Rev. William Gager a call 
to settle with us in the work of the Ministry;" they also 
"voted to remove the meeting to the house of Benony Clark." 

At a Parish meeting held December 15th, 1725, they "voted 
to Johii Mory twelve shillings for sweeping the Meeting 
House." This is the first record we have in regard to a 
Meeting House. It was probably covered and the floor laid 
and occupied during the summer for worship on the Sabbath. 

At a Parish meeting December 14th, 1726, "voted to make 
provision for laying the gallery floors, and for making the 
stairs and finishing the coving and building the breast work 
of the gallery, and for making steps for the three doors, and 
appointed Henry Woodward, Lieutenant Martin, and Josiah 
Lyman, to manage the affair; also, voted to Deacon Wright 
one pound for sweeping the Meeting House." 

December 26th, 1728, "voted to procure boards to seal the 
Meeting House, and for the pews, and slit work for the galle- 
ries and pews, and all other stuff needful for the work." 

December 4th, 1730, "voted to do something towards finish- 
ing the Meeting House." 

November 3d, 1731, "voted to finish the seats and plaster 
the walls of the Meeting House ; Captain Sprague, Lieutenant 
Woodward, and Sarjeant Daggit to see the work executed." 

Dui'ing the season of 1732, it seems that the Parish had so 
far completed their first Meeting House that at a special meet- 
ing held January 10, 1733, " they voted to Seat the Meeting 
House." 

As this is a practice that has almost universally gone out of 
use, I give, as a curiosity, the entire record of this meeting. 



32 

" Made choice of John Sims, Joseph Clark, and Thomas 
Woodward to be a committee to seat the Meeting House. 
Voted that no man shall be brought lower than he was seated 
before. 

Voted tliat the seaters should reckon one, and but one head 
to each list. 

Voted to seat the Meeting House by the last Rate or List. 

Voted to vallew one year's age to two shillings in the rate. 

Voted that the pews next to the great door shall be vallewed 
next to the first or highest pews, and those by the stairs equal 
to the second seat ; the fore seat in the front to be equal to 
the second seat in the body of the Meeting House, and the 
fore seat in the side gallery, to be equal to the sixth seat. 

At the same time they made choice of Deacon Wright, 
Captain Sprague and Sarjeant Lyman to be a committee to 
seat the seators." 

At the same time they " voted that Samuel Woodward, Israel 
Woodward, William Simes, Noah Dewey, Samuel Wright and 
Preserved Wright, shall have liberty to build themselves a 
seat or seats, a pew or pews, for them and their families, in 
the front gallery, behind those seats that are already built ; to 
be built at their own charge ; and also be debarred from any 
other seat in the Meeting House ; they to have all the room 
that is behind the scats that are now built." 

With the gradation of the pews, the definite property quali- 
fications as determined by the last list by which they were to 
be seated, a committee of their own choice to seat them, and 
a sub-committee to seat the seators, it would seem that they 
might worship in their new house with quiet minds and con- 
tented spirits. February 8th, 1733, less than a month from 
the time of the appointment of the seating committee, another 
meeting is called, and it is " voted that the pew by the great 
door in the Meeting House, shall be reconed equal to the fore 
seat and corner pew ; and also voted to accept of what the 
seating committee had done." Whether the pew by the great 
door was not sufficiently dignified, or those who were assigned 
to it were degraded, we have no means of knowing. At any 
rate it seems that a vote of the Society was needed to give 



S3 

characteristic dignity, either to the pew or people ; and we 
need not smile at this act of our ancestors, for similar devel- 
opments of human nature exist to-day. 

The size of this Meeting House is not known. It was 
probably about forty or fifty feet in length and breadth, as the 
votes show that there were galleries on three sides, wide 
enough to have pews built back of the seats, which could not 
be done in a house of less dimensions. 

It was probably a rude building at best, as is usually the 
case with pioneer settlers, for in November, 1733, they " voted 
to repair the windows, both wood and glass, and also to make 
new steps; also to give liberty to Joseph Loomis, John Sims, 
and Benony Loomis, to build themselves a pew over the 
women's stairs, not hurting the stairway nor the window." 
This last vote was probably not carried out, for in November, 
1740, '-the Parish Committee were authorized to grant liberty 
to Nathaniel White, Jun'r, John Payne, with sundry others 
to build a seat or pew over the women's stairs, as they think 
proper ; also voted to fill up the broad alley with seats and to 
take down the coving of the Meeting House ;" and in 1744, 
" to fill up the aisles at the east end of the Meeting House." 

At a Parish meeting, November 22d, 1744, probably about 
twenty years only from the time the first house was raised, 
the proposition to build a new one was brought before the 
Parish, and they voted in the negative ; also, at the same 
time " voted not to repair or make addition to the old one." 
But the Great Awakening of 1741 had passed over New Eng- 
land. The new Pastor, Rev. Mr. Wheelock, was active in it ; 
his people had shared largely in its blessing, and the church 
accommodations were insufficient for the thronging multitude 
which each returning Sabbath brought to its courts. 

Consequently at their annual meeting the next year, Nov. 
21st, 1745, they " voted to make some provision for building 
a new Meeting House and to make repairs upon the old one 
for present comfort." The location of this house is learned 
from the location of the second which was determined by a 
committee appointed by the Legislature in 1747, to " ascer- 
tain and fix a place to set a Meeting House upon, among us." 



^4 

This committee reported that they had stuck a stake about 
ten rods south of the present Meeting House on the common, 
— the sills of the house to enclose the stake. This Meeting 
House, as many of us will remember, stood in front of the 
present dwelling house of Mr. John Armstrong, consequently 
the first Meeting House stood about where the school house 
now stands and most probably on the same ground. 

In 1747 "The Society voted to build a new Meeting House, 
64 feet in length and 46 feet in width and 26 feet in height from 
the top of the sill to the underside of the plate. Also voted to 
get the timber, hew, and frame and raise it, cover the roof 
and board the outside and provide timber, either pine or 
ceder, for the window frames, by the first day of Dec. 1748, 
and also voted a tax of two shillings upon the pound towards 
defraying the charges of the Meeting House, also a tax of 13 
pence on the pound for Parish charges, and appointed Captain 
Joseph Clark, Ensign Nathaniel Cushman, and Lieutenant 
Benajah Bill, a committee to carry on the work of building, 
so far as they have agreed to do it." 

In August, 1748, " Voted to clapboard the south side and 
the ends with Ceder, and the back side with Chestnut, and to 
do it this fall." I record this fact for the purpose of showing 
the care bestowed by the Parish in the selection of the build- 
ing material of this house. These clapboards were still on the 
house when it was taken down in 1832, eighty-four years from 
the time they were put on ; and it was thought by many better 
to remodel and repair the old house than to build new, be- 
cause the outside covering was so good ; as many of us well 
recollect. Oct. 5th, 1749, "voted to improve the old Meeting 
House toward finishing the new one, either by sale or any 
other way;" and in Sept. 1751, "voted to finish the house 
within two years." 

"Also appointed Joseph Clark, Benajah Bill and Nathaniel 
Cushman to carry on the work." 

The probability is that the Sabbath worship was held in the 
new house at this time, as a vote was passed to seat the 
Meeting House. 



35 

In December, 1753, " voted to Collour the Meeting House 
sky collour and also to pave round it with round stone or flatt 
and to make such alterations in seating as the Com'y think 
proper." 

In Dec. 5th, 1754, a Parish meeting was held, at which time 
they "voted to settle with the meeting house committee at this 
meeting. The accounts were cast up and, errors excepted, 
amounted to £4458 Is. 4:d:' ($14,860.00.) This certainly 
shows a good degree of energy and perseverance in a small 
parish with but 170 tax payers, as appears by old town and 
Parish rate Bills of that day. 

In the year 1792, a Steeple was erected and a Bell pro- 
cured by subscribers at a cost of $150.00. The vote of the 
Parish is as follows : " Yoted, to give liberty to the subscri- 
bers for building a Steeple, to erect one and annex it to the 
west end of the Meeting House, and furnish it with a Bell, 
and if so erected and furnished with a Bell, the society will 
receive it as theirs and afterwards keep it in repair." 

From the time the Steeple was erected, Mr. David Hun- 
tington was Bell ringer, till his death in 1828 ; a period of 36 
years; and no man was ever more attached to Idol than was 
he to the Bell. At 12 o'clock at noon and 9 o'clock P. M. 
year in and year out, the tones of this Bell moved by his arm 
would be heard by the people. And if, (as was often the 
case,) some urchin on mischief bent, could find his way into 
the Meeting House and commence ringing the Bell, no night 
was so dark, no storm so pelting, but that the old man would 
hasten to the Meeting House, and rest not till every window 
and door was examined and secured. Wo ! to the wight who 
should chance to be caught. But the agile feet of youth 
were usually too fleet, and seldom were they caught. Yet I 
apprehend that more than one who hears me to-day, would, 
if that faithful, honest and good old man were to rise from 
his grave and appear in our midst, feel like asking his for- 
giveness for the annoyance which, in the hilarity and thought- 
lessness of youth, they had caused him. 

Of the present Meeting House I propose to say but little, 
as all the people of middle age are acquainted with the facts 



36 

connected with it. Aug. 29th, 1831, a Society meeting was 
held and " voted to request the Committee to warn a meeting 
for the purpose of raising a tax to repair the Meeting House. 
Also voted that Deacon Lyman be requested to address the 
society on the subject of a Meeting House," and adjourned to 
Sept. 12th, when a committee was appointed " to make a 
draft of a Meeting House." At a subsequent meeting, Sam- 
uel Little, Esq., Samuel West, Jr., Daniel Hunt, Erastus 
Post, George Loomis and Chester Bliss were appointed a com- 
mittee to superintend the building of the House. They were 
to use the old house in the construction of the new one. 

A contract was made, and the work commenced in the 
Spring of 1832, and the house was completed and dedicated 
the same Fall. 

Its length is 58 feet. Breadth 42 feet. 

The whole expense for their house was - $2,015.92 

For the land on which it stands, - .75.00 



$2,090.92 
This sum was paid by subscription ; the name of each sub- 
scriber and amount given being entered on the Society Re- 
cords. 

In the Spring of 1850, this House was thoroughly repaired, 
the roof shingled, the outside painted, the windows on the 
East end closed up and chimneys built from the ground, 
sup[)orts placed under the steeple, the lathing and plastering 
over head renewed and whitewashed, the desk remodeled and 
the inside painted and varnished, with other repairs, at a cost 
of $535.79, which was paid by subscription ; the names of the 
donors and amount given by each being entered on the Soci- 
eties books. 

In addition to this, the Ladies Benevolent Association fur- 
nished the house with window blinds, trimming for the desk, 
and carpeted the aisles, and the young men furnished the 
Sofa for the desk. 



37 



SKETCH OP MINISTERS PROM THIS PARISH. 

BY THE PASTOR. 

John Small ey was born in Lebanon Crank, June 4, 1734. 
He was the son of Benjamin and Mary Smalley, both mem- 
bers of this church. When he was six years old he heard 
Mr. Whitfield preach, and his young heart was deeply moved; 
but his most permanent religious impressions were received 
on discovering his eminently devoted mother, "at a certain 
time, as he entered an apartment of the house, in a dark cor- 
iier, in a kneeling posture, engaged, as he supposed in prayer." 
That scene never went from him through all his manhood. 
He was fitted for college by his pastor, Mr. Wheelock, and 
Avas graduated at Yale College, in 1756. He was licensed to 
preach by the Litchfield South Association, in 1757, and in 
Nov. of .that year he began to preach in Berlin, now the first 
church in New Britain, where he was ordained pastor, at the 
time of the organization of the church, April 19, 1758. There 
he continued in the faithful discharge of the duties of his 
office till the autumn of 1808, a little more than 50 years, 
though he preached occasionally till Sept. 1813. He received 
the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the College of New 
Jersey in 1800. 

Dr. Smalley was one of the prominent Theologians of his 
day, distinguished both as a teacher of Theological students 
and as a standard writer. He published two volumes of ser- 
mons ; the first volume in 1803, and the second in 1814 ; also 
six other sermons, two of which, on natural and moral ina- 
bility, were republished in London. He died June 1, 1820, 
aged 86, having held the pastoral office 62 years. 

Bczaleel Woodward, who was licensed to preach the gospel 
but not ordained, was born in 1745, and was graduated at 
Yale College in 1764. He became the first Prof, of Mathe- 
matics in Dartmouth College. He died in 1804, aged 60. 

Samuel Collins was born in 1747. Having worked at his 
trade till he was past twenty-one years old, he commenced a 
course of study, and was graduated at Dartmouth College in 
5 



38 

1775. He was ordained pastor in Sandown, New Hampshire, 
Dec. 27, 1780. He was dismissed April 30, 1788, and in 
Nov. following was installed over the Presbyterian church in 
Hanover Center, New Hampshire. This church, being but a 
remnant of that from which the majority had been taken by 
the former pastor, " his ministry tliei'c was beset by trials. 
He was, however, universally esteemed as a devoted and ex- 
cellent christian minister.'' He was again dismissed in 1795 ; 
and, after a brief ministry in Craftsbury, he died in that 
town Jan. 7, 1807, at the age of 59. 

Daniel Crocker was graduated at Yale College in 1782, 
and was licensed by the New Haven West Association, in 
1788. He was settled in Redding in Oct., 1809, where he re- 
mained till Oct., 1824. He was again settled in New Fair- 
field in Oct., 1827, and died in March, 1831. 

^''alter Harris was born in 1761, the son of Nathaniel and 
Grace Harris. He served three years in the war of the Rev- 
olution, liis only brother falling a sacrifice in that struggle, 
and was honorably discharged when less than nineteen years 
old. He removed to Lebanon, New Hampshire, where he 
came under the influence of a powerful revival of religion, 
and gaining satisfactory evidence of his conversion, he devoted 
himself to the work of the ministry. He was graduated at 
Dartmouth College, in 1787. Having studied Theology with 
Dr. Emmons, he was ordained pastor of a church whicli he 
was instrumental in organizing in Dunbarton, New Hamp- 
shire, Aug. 26, 1789. He received* the degree of Doctor of 
Divinity from Dartmouth College, in 1826. 

As a preacher he was said to be " mighty in the scriptures. 
He uttered himself with a deep solemnity that showed that 
he never lost sight of his own final account. He chose out 
acceptable words, but they were charged witli an energy 
which it was not easy to resist." One ot his hearers once 
said, "every sermon of his is a broad-axe, cutting away every 
refuge of lies, and laying prostrate every thing that exalte th 
itself against the knowledge of God." He received many 
young men as Theological students, who ever after held him 
in the highest estimation, as a man and as an instructor. 



39 

Towards the close of his active duties as pastor, we have 
this testimony concerning him from one wlio is remembered 
by some here to-day, as a s cho ol-master in Hop River District, 
Rev. Dr. Barstow, of Keene, New Hampshire ; his words are, 
"I was struck in those days with his deep humility and un- 
wavering confidence in God, with his comprehensive views of 
the christian system, and the facility with which he could put 
to silence the ignorances of foolish men. 1 could not but 
feel that he was a master in Israel, and that it was good to 
sit at his feet and listen to his instruction." And this same 
witness recalls these words spoken to him by Dr. Harris when 
at Saratoga for the benefit of his health : — " I told my people 
the last Sabbath, that I had done ; that I had cared for them 
for more than forty years, without leaving them iinsupplied 
for many Sabbaths, and that now they must take care of 
themselves ; that I hoped they would hold fast the doctrines 
which I preached, for I verily believed they were the truth of 
God, and I would willingly risk my own soul upon them. 
The people were somewhat affected, and I too was affected 
with the thought that I must meet them at the bar of God. 
I warned them to meet me as the disciples of Christ, that 1 
might not be a swift witness against them." After these 
forty years' labors he was not able to continue the active du- 
ties of the ministry, yet he remained with his people till his 
death, Dec. 25, 1843, at the age of 82. Fifteen of his ser- 
mons were published, also an address before the Pastoral 
Convention of New Hampshire. 

Ezra Woodworth was born in 1765. He was graduated at 
Dartmouth College in 1788 ; was ordained pastor of the first 
church in Winsted, Jan, 2, 1792 ; was dismissed in 1799, and 
died in 1836, aged 71. 

Joel West , son of Samuel and Sarah West, was born March 
12, 1766. He was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1789, 
and ordained pastor of the third church in Chatham, (now 
East Hampton,) in Oct., 1792. He remained the esteemed 
and faithful pastor of that church till his death, in Nov., 1826, 
at the age of 60. 

Bezaleel Pinneo, son of Deacon James and Jerusha Pinneo, 



40 

was born July 28, 1769. He was graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1791 ; studied Theology with Dr. Smalley ; was 
licensed by the Hartford South Association in Oct., 1793, 
and was ordained pastor of the first church in Milford, Oct. 

26, 1796. While ])ursuing his labors as pastor, he acted, for 
a time, as instructor of students of Theology, among whom 
was the distinguished Evangelist, Rev. Dr. Nettleton, remem- 
bered by some who are here to-day, as preaching for a few 
Sabbaths before the settlement of Mr. Kittredge. Mr. Pin- 
neo remained in the active duties of the pastoral office forty- 
three years, very widely known and respected, as excellent 
in judgment and earnestly devoted to his work. Bearing the 
infirmities of age for nearly ten years, he died among his 
people Sept. 18, 1849, aged 80. 

Diodate Brockway, second son and third child of Rev. 
Thomas and Eunice Brockway, was born Dec. 29, 1776. He 
was graduated at Yale College in 1797, united with this 
churcli in Sept., 1798, studied Theology with Rev. Elijah 
Parsons of East Haddam, was licensed by the Middlesex As- 
sociation, Oct. 3, 1798, and was ordained pastor of the church 
in Ellington, Sept. 19, 1799. He retained the pastoral office 
fifty years, though by reason of his infirmities he had t]\Q as- 
sistance pf colleagues the last eighteen years. He was a Fel- 
low of Yale College from 1827 till his death. He died Jan. 

27, 1849, aged 72. He published a sermon, preached at the 
funeral of Deacon Gurdon Elsworth, 1803 ; another at the 
dedication of th-e Meeting House in Ellington in 1806 ; a ser- 
mon before the Missionary Society of Connecticut ; an Elec- 
tion sermon in 1818, and a New Year's sermon in 1828. 

Jacob Allen, son of Timothy and Mary Allen, was born 
Aug. 18, 1781. While studying with Rev. E. T. Woodrufl", 
in North Coventry, he hopefully became a subject of divine 
grace, and turned his thoughts towards the ministry. He 
was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1811, studied Theol- 
ogy with Dr. Burton of Thetford, Vt., was licensed by Orange 
Association, and ordained pastor at Tunbridge, Vt., in Oct., 
1813. He was dismissed in 1820 and installed in Eastbury 
in July, 1822. Being dismissed in 1835, he was installed 



41 

over the church of Voluntown and Sterling Oct. 11, 1837, 
where he remained until Nov. 15, 1849, when he was dis- 
missed and supplied the church in Long Society in Pres- 
ton for one year, after which he returned to his last charge, 
supplying the pulpit there until he died, March 13, 1856, at 
the age of 75. 

He is described, in a sermon preached at his funeral by Rev. 
Henry Robinson, as " a sound and able Theologian, an ear- 
nest and instructive preacher ; eminently gifted in prayer, a 
faithful and devoted pastor, a wise and safe counsellor ; given 
to hospitality, remarkable for humility, most affectionate and 
exemplary in domestic relations, interested in benevolent 
operations." He was a frequent contributor to periodicals 
and newspapers, both secular and religious. He preached the 
sermon at the dedication of this house. 

iUfred Wright, son of Jeriah and Temperance Wright, was 
born March 1, 1788. He is spoken of while a child as being 
of a sober, thoughtful turn of mind, and possessed of an un- 
commonly studious disposition. His father, with limited 
means, and with a family of eleven children, could not gratify 
his thirst for knowledge. He repeatedly expressed his desire 
to obtain an education and become a minister of the gospel, 
even before he was satisfied of his conversion. With feeble 
health, and in the face of formidable obstacles, he pursued his 
course of preparatory studies at the Colchester Academy, and 
joined the sophomore class in Williams College, where he was 
graduated in 1812. Thus far, not regarding himself as a 
Christian, his mind was directed to the study of medicine, and 
by his occasional reading of medical books, he gained an 
amount of information that qualified him to render essential 
medical service in the field of his future labors. But a few 
months before his graduation he was reckoned among the 
fruits of a revival in College, and from that time he enter- 
tained the design of entering the ministry, and, if it was the 
clear indication of providence, of engaging in a foreign mis- 
sion. While connected with the Andover Theological Sem- 
inary, he was also engaged as instructor in Phillips Academy. 
Being appointed tutor in Williams College, he entered upon 



42 , 

the duties of that office in October, 1814. Visiting liome in 
the winter of 1815, he was prostrated with sickness, and the 
disease was of such a nature that but little hope was enter- 
tained of restoration to an active and useful life. He turned 
towards the south for his health, and was able to take charge 
of a Female Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina. In the 
winter of 1818, he was licensed to preach, and on the 17th of 
December, 1819, he was ordained as an Evangelist, in the 
Circular Church, Charleston, by the Congregational Associa- 
tion of South Carolina. At the same time was ordained Jonas 
King, the now veteran missionary, lately from his great life- 
work in Athens. Mr. Wright turns from a call to settle in 
Charleston to the Choctaws in Elliot, Georgia, and thus he 
enters upon the life of missionary toil to which he had looked 
forward, though in a field different from that which he had 
anticipated. Ten years he spent with the Choctaws before 
their removal beyond the Mississippi, having the care of a 
church, conducthig schools, preparing elementary school 
books in the native language, and in time of sickness being 
in constant demand for medical attention and advice. On the 
removal of the Indians to their present territory in 1831, some 
of the missionaries retired from the field, but Mr. Wright was 
among those who, in compliance with the earnest entreaties 
of the Indians, and in obedience to a sense of duty, accom- 
panied them to their new home. He entered his new field of 
labor in September, 1832, and selected a site which he called 
Wheelock, in memory of the former pastor of his native town. 
A church was organized on the second Sabbath in December, 
1832, with thirty-seven members. And here, as his central 
point, do we find him for the next twenty years, toiling on in 
patience and hope, and often with the most cheering success ; 
all the while "with a feeble frame, never without pain, unable 
to walk more than a few rods, or raise with his hands more 
than a few pounds weight." 

But the great labor of his life was the translation of the 
_HQly_^npUires into the Choctaw language. Upon this the 
full energies of his mind and body were bent. It was his 
earnest wish to finish translating the Bible, but this was too 



1 



43 



great a work for one man, with all the difficulties which em- 
barrassed him ; at the same time superintending the schools, 
and having the care of two or three churches. By diligent 
application lie carried the work of translation through the 
New Testament, and from Genesis to Job, in the Old Testa- 
ment. His motto, in his own words, was, " Labor, incessant 
labor on earth, and rest, eternal rest in heaven." Nor was 
his labor in vain. Sometimes forty and sixty or seventy in a 
year would be reckoned among the converts within his par- 
ticular iield of labor. 

The great secret of his success was that " he walked with 
God." His spirit of devotion and of Christian solicitude for 
the spiritual welfare of others is breathed forth, especially in 
his early letters home, when, as a son and brother, he faith- 
fully and affectionately and personally exhorted and entreated 
his friends all to make Christ their Saviour, and to engage 
with their full energies in his service. He always retained 
an affectionate remembrance of his native place, and of this 
church, inquiring after its welfare, rejoicing with it in its sea- 
sons of refreshing, and bearing it on his prayers before the 
throne of grace. He died March 31, 1858, aged sixty-five, 
peacefully committing all to his Saviour, saying, " Good is 
the will of the Lord concerning me." He had no more to do 
but to lie down and die. He was in his master's work, and 
ready for Heaven every day. When the word came to go up 
higher, he just ceased his labors and obeyed. 

" Servant of God, well done, 
Rest from thy loved employ. 
The battle fought, the victory won," 
Enter thy Master's joy." 

James D.Chapman was born in May, 1799, was graduated 
at Yale College, in 1826, preacbed one year in Prospect, and 
was settled over the church in Wolcott, in 1833. He was 
dismissed in 1840, and afterwards settled in Cummington, 
Mass., where he died December 19, 1854, aged fifty-five. 

Daniel Hunt, son of Daniel and Submit Hunt, was gradua- 
ted at Amherst College, in 1828, studied theology at Andover 
Seminary, and was ordained pastor of the-church in Pomfret, 



44 

April 8, 1835, where he still resides, although dismissed from 
his charge, and from feeble health no longer able to fulfill the 
duties of the ministry. He has published a historical sermon ; 
also, valuable historical papers in connection with the 150th 
anniversary of the church in Pomfret, which was duly com- 
memorated October 26th, 1865. 

Amasa Dewey, son of Asahel and Lucina Dewey, was born 
March 12, 1804, united with this church in 1821, and was 
graduated at Yale College, in 1832. lie studied theology at 
East Windsor Seminary, was licensed by the New Haven East 
Association, in 1838, and ordained pastor in Petersham, Mass., 
January 11, 1837, where he died January 5, 1810, at the age 
of thirty-five. A small volume of practical sermons, from his 
pen, was published after his death. 

Aiisel D^ewey, son of Asahel and Lucina Dewey, was born 
August 9, 1809, and united with this church in 1831. He 
studied theology at East Windsor Seminary, was licensed l)y 
the Hartford North Association, December 14th, 1836, but, 
before assuming any pastoral charge, died August 6th, 1838, 
aged twenty-nine. 

Chaises Little, son of Samuel and Jerusha Little, was grad- 
uated at Yale College, in 1844, a classmate of the present 
pastor. He studied theology at New Haven, united with this 
church in 1847, and was ordained, in this house, September 
1st, 1847 ; sermon by Rev. Joel Hawes, D. D., of Hartford. 
He entered vipon the missionary work in the year 1848, and 
labored faithfully and successfully at several stations in the 
Madura__Mj.ssion, until 1859, when, by reason of impaired 
health, he returned to this country, relinquishing the foreign 
field. Having, in good measure, regained his health, he was 
installed pastor of the church in Cheshire, January 1st, 1862. 
Since leaving Cheshire, he has been engaged with the first 
church in Woodbury, where he is now laboring. 



45 



HISTORICAL PAPERS. 

By John S. Yeomavs. 



The first vote of the Parish in regard to Education, is Jan- 
uary 6th, 1732, when they made choice of " Captain Ephraim 
Sprague, Nehemiah Closson and Deacon Wright, to be a 
school committee to receive our part of the country money, 
and to lay it out at their discretion, for the instruction of 
Children in the Parish." From this date forward regularly 
at the annual meetings a like committee was appointed till 
1798, when the organization of school societies took the place 
of towns and ecclesiastical societies, in our school system. 
That we may better understand this matter, perhaps a brief 
digest of our school laws during the period of our 150 years 
of ecclesiastical life may be appropriate. 

From 1701 to 1800 the law of the Colony may be summed 
up as follows : 

1st. An obligation on every parent and guardian of children, 
" not to suffer any child or apprentice to grow up in their 
families, unable to read the holy word of God and the good 
laws of the Colony, under penalty for each offence. 

2d, A tax of forty shilhngs on every X 1,000 of the lists of 
estates, collected with the annual State tax, and payable pro- 
portionately to those towns only which should keep schools 
according to law. 

3d. A common school in "every town of seventy families or 
over, to be kept through the year, and in towns of less than 
seventy families, at least six months in the year. 

4th. A Grammar School in each of tlie four counties at 
their county seats, to fit youth for College ; which Grammar 
Schools must be free. 

5th. A Collegiate School towards which the General Court 
made an annual appropriation of £120. 
6 



46 

6th. Provision for the rehgious instruction of the Indians. 

In May, 1717, the obhgation resting upon towns in regard 
to education was extended to parishes under the same provis- 
ions, and we as a parish took charge of our schools. 

In 1686 the Assembly made a grant to the plantations of 
Hartford and Windsor, of the north-west portion of the State 
comprising the present towns of Norwalk, Goshen, Canaan, 
Cornwall, Kent, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, Barkhamsted, 
Colebrook, Harwinton, Hartland, Winchester and New Hart- 
ford, to preserve them from the grasp of Sir Edmund Andros, 
who acting for James the first,' claimed all the unappropriated 
lands of the State as belonging to the King. 

But though the Charter Oak which preserved our Colonial 
Charter lives only in history, yet the Charter which it held, 
remains, and, encased in the wood which protected it, hangs 
gracefully, in the office of the Secretary of the State in Hart- 
ford. So also did Sir Edmund fail to get possession of the 
unappropriated lands of the Colony. After the danger from 
Andros was passed, the Governor claimed the lands as fully as 
though no grant had been made. Hartford and Windsor 
however, on the strength of the grant by the Assembly, and 
the settlements commenced under it, determined to resist the 
claim and oppose the legislature. Great disturbances ensued. 

Finally, however, in 1726, forty years after the grant, the 
dispute was settled, and the legislature resolved that the lands 
in controversy should be divided between the Colony and the 
claiming towns of Hartford and Windsor. 

The Colony was to have the western townships, viz., Nor- 
folk, Goshen, Canaan, Cornwall, Kent, Salisbury and Sharon ; 
and Hartford and Windsor, the eastern, viz., Torrington, 
Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Harwinton, Hartland, Winchester 
and New Hartford. 

The legislature appointed a committee to view the town- 
ships belonging to the Colony, who reported in May, 1733, as 
their opinion that the legislature should grant all the moneys 
which shall arise from the sale of the seven townships, to the 
towns of this Colony whicli arc now settled, to be divided to 
them in proportion to the grand lists of said towns, and to be 
secured and improved forever, to the use of the schools kept 



47 

in the several towns, according to law ; which report was 
accepted, and a committee appointed to make sale of the 
lands. 

From this sale came the local fund of about 300 dollars 
now held by this town, the interest of which has annually 
been applied in accordance with the law. In the Revised 
Statutes published in 1750, it was enacted that the money 
distributed to towns and societies, and called " Local School 
funds," remain a perpetual fund for the support of schools, 
and for any application of the interest to other purposes, the 
principal was to be paid back into the treasury of the Colony, 
and the town or society was to lose the benefit thereof after- 
wards, and such is the law to-day in regard to said fund. 

While on the subject of the law, I may as well say that 
Societies or Parishes for religious purposes were first estab- 
lished in 1700 ; authorized to choose a clerk in 1716 ; a com- 
mittee in 1717; a collector in 1721; a moderator in 1726, 
and a treasurer hi 1764, and in 1717, the right to tax for 
school purposes as well as for the support of the ministry. 
Under this provision this Society had charge of the schools in 
the Parish till 1795, when the. moneys arising from the sale of 
the western lands belonging to this State, were ordered to be 
invested and called the " School Fund," and remain a perpet- 
ual fund, " the interest of which shall be inviolably appropri- 
ated to the support and encouragement of the public or com- 
mon schools throughout the State, for the equal benefit of all 
the people thereof." 

In 1798, the management of schools passed from towns and 
ecclesiastical societies as such to school societies especially 
constituted for this purpose. 

The Parish, from its organization, liad taxed themselves 
every year for the support of the ministry, for schools and 
other purposes, until 1818, when the adoption of the present 
State Constitution gave religious liberty and equality of civil 
rights to all religious sects ; since which time the means for 
the support of the gospel have been raised, sometimes by tax, 
sometimes by sale of slips and voluntary contribution. 

In 1739, the Parish " voted to raise by tax, ^50 (167 dol- 
lars) to be added to the " country money," to keep a school 



48 

of two school masters for the three winter months, for writing 
and reading, and to be removed from place to place for the 
best advantage of the parish in general. And the rest of the 
money to be improved in hiring school dames, to teach cliil- 
dren to read the rest of the year, as shall best suit the parish 
in general, and appointed a committee to see that schools be 
kept as above expressed." 

I infer from these votes that there were no school houses in 
the parish at this date, but the schools were kept in private 
houses. 

In 1744, the Parish, after voting to keep a school according 
to law, and appointing Rev. Mr. Wheelock, Deacon John 
Newcomb, and Mr. Josiah Finney, to see that it be done, also 
"voted that the neighborhood adjacent to the meeting house 
have liberty to build a school house on the commons near the 
meeting house ; also that the neighborhood adjacent to Thomas 
Porter have liberty to build a school house near said Thomas 
Porter's house. 

Also voted that the school house which Mr. Josiah Finney 
has set on the highway should stand in that place." The 
school house in the center district was probably not built by 
tlie district at tliat time, but in stead was erected the house 
for the " Indian Charity School," Avhich is the present house 
of the center district, remodeled, and which passed into the 
hands of the district, I can not find when, or how, by any 
record extant. 

In 1768, a committee of three persons out of the parish, 
were chosen to determine, divide and set off' the school dis- 
tricts in the parish. 

In their report they say : " Whereas, there hath been three 
districts. Middle, North and South, we are of opinion that they 
remain the same, although at present the middle district, 
being fewer in number, and less able to maintain a scliool, 
recommend that the north part be reckoned with the north 
district, and the south part with the south district, they liaving 
right at any time when they shall be able and inclined, to 
build a school house, and set up a school within their limits." 
Until 1773, but three persons had been appointed school com- 
mittee, probably one in each district. In that year five were 



49 

appointed, one in each district that then existed, probably ; to 
wit, " Henchman Bennet, Rufus Collins, Jabez Wright, Na- 
thaniel White, and Lieut. James Pineo." 

The next year six persons were appointed, the center dis- 
trict probably having resumed their place as a district. 

The six districts remained as they were then till the forma- 
tion of school societies in 1788, and remain still the same, 
with the addition of the south-west, the territory of which till 
1816 was an unbroken forest, known as " Wells' Woods." 

MUSIC. 

At a Parish meeting February 21st, 1787, " voted to sing 
in the public worship according to the rule by which they 
sing in the old Society in Lebanon." " Also made choice of 
Eleazer Hutchinson to set the psalm in the congregation." 

" Also made choice of Joseph Clark to set the psalm when 
Mr. Hutchinson is absent or can not." 

With this arrangement they rested satisfied, so far as the 
records show, till 1774, when on the 28th of June, a meeting 
of the Parish was held and it was put to vote, " whether they 
would sing by rule in the assembly ; voted in the affirmative." 

Also " voted that the choristers should set such tunes as 
they think proper." 

This was doubtless a special meeting on the subject, as no 
other business was transacted or votes passed. 

In 1791, at their annual meeting, voted " a tax of one-half 
penny on the pound to encourage singing, and to be applied 
for that purpose only ; and chose Enos Gary and Asahel Allen 
collectors of the singing tax." 

In 1794, voted " that they desire Messrs. Samuel Bliss, Seth 
Collins, Ambrose Collins and Samuel West Jr., to take turns 
in leading the singing on Sundays." 

In 1798, " James Pineo, Esq., John Newcomb, Seth Collins, 
Samuel Bliss and Consider Little, were appointed a committee 
to promote singing." 

In 1806, voted " to request Samuel West, Jr., Benjamin 
Lyman, Dan Porter, and William Hunt to lead in singing for 
the year ensuing." 



50 

In 1813, " Messrs. S. Barstow, S. Manley, G. Lincoln, J. 
Richardson, E. Woodworth and N. Tanner, were appointed a 
committee to get subscriptions to revive the singing, and to 
hire a teacher if they get enough subscribed." 

In 1819," voted that Deacon Benjamin Lyman be requested 
to revive the singing in this Society." 

Tliis is the last date, I believe, in which the Society, as 
such, have acted in regard to singing. 

The choir have usually circulated their own subscriptions, 
hired their own teachers, and chosen their own choristers. 

And although a body of persons whose sole object and aim 
should be to make harmony in singing the songs of Zion in 
the sanctuary of the Lord, it can not be denied, but that 
sometimes elements of discord have found their way into the 
choir, musically speaking, as well as otherwise. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

A reference to a few miscellaneous transactions of the 
Society, and I will tire your patience no farther with the 
prosy recital of Parish votes. 

In 1750, the Parish voted " to allow Samuel Woodward 
and his brethren liberty to build them a Sabbath day house, 
some where near the old Meeting House, where tlie parish 
committee think proper." 

In 1751, voted "to empower the parish committee to erect 
a sign post, at some convenient place on the south side of the 
Meeting House, and that proper notifications set on said post 
for parish meetings shall be accounted legal." When the 
Society became a town they, (the town,) by agreement with the 
Society, made it their sign post, and when the present house 
was erected, the town concurred in removing the sign post to 
the place where it now stands. 

In 1755, the following preamble and votes were passed : 

" Whereas, Mr. Joshua More, of Mansfield, has given a lot 
of land in the 2nd Society in Lebanon, for the foundation, 
use and support of a Charity School, forever to be known and 
called by the name of the Charity School in Lebanon, found- 
ed by Joshua More for the education of Indians, &c." At a 
legal meeting of said Society, Nov. 18, 1755, it was voted 



51 

" that if said school shall be set up, that in order to their reg- 
ular, comfortable and orderly attendance upon the public 
worship of God, the boys in said school shall have for their 
use, the pew in the gallery, over the west stairs in the Meet- 
ing House ; and further provision suitable for them in said 
Meeting House shall be made if there shall be occasion." 

In 1761, "voted to allow Mr. Wheelock's Indian girls liber- 
ty to sit in the hind seat on the women's side below." 

The first half century of our Parish life closed in the year 
1766. This had been a very prosperous period with both the 
Church and the Society. The Society had built their large 
and commodious house of worship, which, as tradition tells 
us, was filled to overflowing ; the whole mass of the popula- 
tion, at that period, being in the habit of attending church 
regularly and constantly on the Sabbath. They had emerged 
from that trial state which is incidental to the settlement of a 
new country ; they had been prospered in temporal things, 
and had built for themselves those stately dwelling houses, 
of which some of us, who are half century men, have a vivid 
recollection, but of which very few now remain. 

An event transpired at this time which though not a part 
of our Society history, proper, yet so connected with it, that 
a committee was appointed the next year which reported a 
manifesto which occupies four pages of our Society records, 
being adopted and placed there by vote of the Society.* 

It was the sending to England, by Mr. Wheelock, of Rev. 
Nathaniel Whitaker, tlien pastor of the church in Chelsea, 
(now Norwich Landing,) and Samson Occum, an Indian 
preacher, both of whom had been educated in this place by 
Dr. Wheelock. t 

The next half century, closing with the year 1816, was 
generally a period of trial with the Society, not on account of 
divisions among themselves, but on account of the troubles 
growing out of the conflict with the "Mother Country," 
which finally culminated in the Seven years war of the Revo- 
lution, which gave us Independence and National life, but 
which destroyed for a time our commerce, which before had 
been so profitable, sweeping away many an estate which was 

*See Note A, Appendix. fSee Note B, Appendix. 



62 

supposed to be ample, and leaving heavy debts upon individ- 
uals, as well as the nation, from which during this half cen- 
tury they were hardly able to recover. They managed, liow- 
ever, to keep their light burning on this altar ; yet many were 
burdened with pecuniary embarrassments, and heavy liens 
upon the lands they cultivated, and to add still to this, just 
at the close of this period, came a second war with England 
to add its weight of trouble to their burdens. The culmina- 
tion seemed to be in our century year 1816, which is the 
memorable year of the present century, as the cold season. 
It was chronicled at the close of the year that in New Eng- 
land there were frosts during every month in the year. On 
the 16th day of June, a heavy frost killed all the corn, so 
that hardly a farmer in town raised a bushel of sound corn. 

With the year 1817, commenced the last half century of 
our Parish life, and with it came a year of fulness to the gar- 
ners of the husbandmen, giving to them courage and hope, 
and a happy presage of the prosperity and thrift which has 
rested upon us as a people for the last fifty years. 

It has been emphatically a period of prosperity to this 
community, and to the whole country. The improvements 
in science, literature, and arts, are unparalleled in any former 
time. New motive powers have been discovered, by which 
transporting vehicles of giant dimensions, and fitted up with 
all the luxury of palatial dwellings, are rushed over laud and 
sea with a velocity that outstrips the wind, so that the dis- 
tance between places at one extreme and the other of our 
great country, is almost annihilated. 

And yet again, we have set up poles and hung upon them 
iron wires, tying together all the principal towns and villages, 
all over our extended country ; and 6ver these, through the 
agency of a subtle element called electricity, we send messa- 
ges all over the land, as quick as the "lightning that lighten- 
eth out of one part under heaven shineth unto the other part 
under heaven," so that New Orleans, with which it took 
months to communicate at the commencement of our last, 
half century of Society life, now has its important news and 
price-current published in the daily papers of all our New 
England cities, on the day the event transpires. 



53 

And within the past year we have had laid down amid the 
coral and dark depths of ocean one of these wires, and are 
now liolding communication with the " mother country," on 
the other side of the Atlantic. But I must suppress these 
thoughts, which seem to come over me unhidden, while I 
speak of our prosperity as a Society for the last half century 
and then close. 

In 1816, the dwelling houses were mostly in a dilapidated 
condition, weather-worn and mostly unpainted ; such as were 
painted were a dingy red. I can recall to mind but two in 
the town at that time that were painted white. All were 
warmed by fires in the large old fashioned fire places of the 
olden time. There were no stoves in town ; no warming of 
the meeting house whatever ; not more than two or three 
houses with a carpet upon any of its floors ; no one horse 
wagons, the people riding to church on horseback, very ofteu 
the man with his wife or daughter on a pillion behind him. 

In two or three instances families living remote came in 
heavy lumbering hacks, as they were then called, and which 
was considered as rather an aristocratic way of going to 
church, 

I think I am safe in saying that the great mass of the people 
in town at that time were more or less in debt. Money did 
uot circulate freely, and the business transactions were mostly 
on credit ; the farmers getting their groceries of the merchant, 
and in the fall paying the account in beef, pork, and the sur- 
plus produce of their farms, feeling satisfied if they got money 
enough to pay taxes. 

To-day, as compared with fifty years ago, we are abundantly 
blessed. The most of our dwellings have put off their brown, 
and are painted white ; arc comfortably furnished, warmed, 
and carpeted. 

The majority have probably been built new or essentially 
remodeled. The lands are much better cultivated, and the 
products of our crops per acre are much greater than formerly. 
Our farmers have, in the main, paid off their debts, and many 
of them have a small surplus invested in stocks, or at interest. 
And though we have no rich man in town, in the common 
7 



54 

acceptation of the term, yet the great mass of our people have 
at their hands enough to satisfy all reasonable wants. The 
evidence of rural improvement and taste is seen about most 
of our dwellings, and I believe a good degree of comfort and 
hospitality reigns within. The church in which we are now 
convened, in its plain simplicity, and devoid as it is of archi- 
tectural beauty, as compared with the old one in which in my 
boyhood on many a winter's Sabbath day I have sat listening 
to the creaking of its timbers, the rattling of window panes, 
and the howling of winter winds, and waiting, not so much 
" upon the Lord in his sanctuary," as for the lastly of the 
minister's sermon, which foreshadowed a' speedy deliverance 
from the biting cold within its walls. I say as compared witli 
that, the present house seems to me to be about all we can 
reasonably desire. But of the thousand thoughts which come 
up in this connection I can not now speak. 

Now in conclusion, let me say to tlie youth and children 
present, a few, and but a few of whom will be present when 
fifty years hence, the people of this Parish sliall meet to cele- 
brate the two hundredth anniversary of this Church and 
Society, as I trust they will, may you so live that you may not 
only give to the Lord a good account of your stewardship, but 
pass over to your children the trusts wliich we commit to you. 

And now I charge you that you guard well the interests of 
this Church and Society. See to it that you keep the fire 
burning brightly on this altar ; that these seats with each 
returning Sabbath are filled with devout worshipers ; that 
this desk is filled by a devout and faithful Pastor. Be kind 
to the aged and bear with their infirmities as they totter down 
the declivity of life, and when you shall grow old may you be 
able to commit all these sacred trusts reposed in you to yovr 
children, untarnished, unimpaired. 

And finally, may we all so live as to be accounted faithful 
stewards, and on "the other side Jordan" be permitted to 
meet in reunion in that " city that hath no need of the sun, 
neither of the moon, to shine in it, for the glory of God doth 
lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." 



55 



ADDKESS, 

By Rev. Charles Little, of Woodbury. 



Mr. President and Friends : 

It is with peculiar satisfaction that I avail myself of this 
privilege of addressing you. Eeturning to this home of my 
childhood, for many years a wanderer, tliough not a fugitive, 
over the face of the earth, to share in the festivities and 
solemnities of this occasion, I have been in common with you 
all, most deeply interested. 

Permit me, sir, to congratulate yourself and the committee 
of arrangements, on the success of this anniversary. I desire 
to express my personal obligations to your pastor and others 
who have labored so successfully to interest and instruct us. 

This old town of Columbia, small as it is, and apart from 
the whirl of business, has an honorable history. Her sons and 
daughters need not be ashamed of their birth-place. Some 
may tell us that " it is a good place from which to emigrate," 
but I have felt to-day that it is a good place in which to live 
and to die ; that here one may fill up a useful life and exert 
influences which shall magnify his own and others' happiness 
throughout eternity. 

Thronging memories come up to me of scenes in my child- 
hood and early youth, upon which I love to dwell. 

I remember those gorgeous sunsets witnessed from my 
father's house, and those severe thunder storms which stirred 
my youthful blood. It seems to me that I have never beheld 
any since quite so grand and delightful. 

I recall with pleasure those various schools which I attended, 
common and select, Sabbath and singing. In respect to phys- 
ical and temporal blessings I have never enjoyed myself so 
well as then. Those were happy days. But my companions 
in those scenes — where are they ? Some of them are here, 
strong in manhood's prime, but the larger part are absent ; 
many scattered over the land ; many in their graves. Look- 
ing over tliis congregation I recognize a few of them, and 



56 

others who were then in active life, now bent and white by- 
reason of age, but the majority here arc strangers. 

One hundred and fifty years ago ! What mighty changes 
have occurred during this brief period ! Then the population 
of this State was probably less than fifty thousand, only a few 
hundreds more than are now living in the city of New Haven. 
The settlements were confined to the vicinity of the Sound 
and rivers, leaving the large part of the State an unbroken 
forest. The far West was then this side the present city of 
Utica. 

Contrast the changes in the manner of living and in the 
modes of conveyance ; mark the progress made in the subju- 
gation of the wilderness, in the growth of cities and villages, 
in new machinery and manufactures, in increased facilities 
for business. 

Within this time how has the world itself been enlarged and 
at the same time compressed together! Its vast tei^ritories, 
then unknown, have been opened up to our knowledge ; its 
population has increased from about seven hundred and fifty 
millions to twelve hundred millions. Yet the ends of the 
earth were never so near to each other as now. We can 
travel round the globe in a few weeks, — we can exchange 
morning and evening salutations with our brothers across the 
ocean. 

This occasion inspires within us thoughts and feelings too 
precious to be forgotten. We feel our obligation to our fore- 
fathers and foreraothers. To them under God we owe this 
rich inheritance. Their wisdom, toils and prayers obtained 
for us this history, so honorable^and hallowed. How shall 
we repay them ? We may do it by honoring their memories, 
not only to-day but continually. We may do it by training 
our children to excel ourselves in all that makes the useful 
citizen, the efficient Christian. 

We owe a large debt of gratitude to God for what he has 
wrought in our town. For this church, for the institutions of 
the gospel planted and preserved here, for revivals iu years 
long past, for refreshings in recent times, for the present 
powerful work of grace, we are unspeakably indebted to Him. 



67 

Oh what fervency of grateful love, what activity of sanctified 
powers should be presented to Him who has thus wonderfully 
proved His willingness to bless. From henceforth let us have 
a stronger confidence in God that He will fulfill His promises, 
that He will work out the redemption of the world. 

We are here taught our duty to work for God. Had not 
the generations whose deeds have been rehearsed in our hear- 
ing, labored for God, these blessings would not have been 
ours. Let us emulate their example ; let our consecration as 
much exceed theirs as our privileges are greater than theirs. 

Be encouraged, ye who have been long enrolled in Christ's 
army. Fear not, faint not. Fight on, fight manfully. Vic- 
tory, honor, trophies many, and crowns eternal shall be yours. 

Ye who have recently entered the service of Christ, whether 
days many or few remain, be faithful. Important is the work 
before you. Be faithful and your Master shall revv^ard you 
with the plaudit—" Well done." 

To the youth and children present, one word. We wish 
you, we expect you to become better men, better women, 
more useful citizens, more efficient Christians than your 
fathers and mothers have been. Your privileges are great, 
your opportunities are vast, your obligations are infinite. I 
charge you, be true to yourselves, be true to your God. 

This is indeed a joyous occasion. It is delightful, this 
review of the past ; this revival of former friendships ; this 
social intercourse ; this interchange of feeling ; this hallowed 
communion with each other, and perchance with the spirits 
of many wliose bodies rest in these cemeteries ; but I must 
not dwell. 

I look forward with confident hope to another re union more 
blessed than this. There will be families in unbroken suc- 
cession. There, from many parts of this land, from the red 
men of the forest, from the idolators of India, will be gathered 
many witnesses to the fidelity and power of this church. 

Here we meet for a few hours and part to see each other 
no more in the flesh, but there our re-union will continue for- 
ever. There through cycles endless, we shall progress in the 
service, the love, the joy of God our Father, and of His Son 
our Saviour. May we all be there. 



58 



M(30R^S IJSTDIAlSr CHARITY SCKOOL, 
ITS SCHOOLMASTERS AND MISSIONARIES. 

By the Pastor. 



Among the earliest missionary efforts in the country, long 
before the organization of the " American Board," must be 
noted the Indian Missionary School of Rev. Eleazar Wheel- 
ock, pastor of the church in Lebanon Crank, now Columbia. 
This enterprise deserves notice, particularly because of its 
early date and worthy intention. It, however, was not with- 
out some good fruit in its work among the Indian tribes, and 
is to be regarded as of peculiar interest and importance, as 
leading to the establishment of Dartmouth College. 

In December, 1743, Mr. Wheelock received into his family 
school, Samson Occom, a Mchegan Indian, whose successful 
course of education led to the project of training Indian youth 
to become missionaries to the various accessible tribes. For 
the encouragement of this enterprise Mr. Joshua Moor, of 
Mansfield, gave a lot of land near the center of the parish. A 
school house was soon built, situated on the corner east of 
the Hartford, and south of the Willimantic road, opposite 
which, at the north, was Dr. Wheelock's house. The school 
was sustained, and the missionaries sent out from it were 
supported by appropriations from the legislatures of Connec- 
ticut and Massachusetts, by funds received from England to 
the amount of seven thousand pounds sterling, of which the 
King gave two hundred pounds, by funds of the Scotch Society 
for Propagating Christian Knowledge, and by other church 
and individual contributions.* 

This project assumed such importance at the time that it 
received the hearty commendation of the following neighbor- 
ing ministers, in a paper drawn up and sigiied by them, under 
date of " Chelsea in Norwich, July 10, 1762 :" 

* See Note B, Appendix. 



59 



Ebenezer-Rosseter, pastor of the first church in Stonington. 

Joseph Fish, 

Nathaniel Whitaker, 

Benjamin Pomeroy, 

EHjah Lathrop, 

Nathaniel Eells, 

Mather Byles, 

Jonathan Barber, 

Matthew Graves, missionary at New London. 

Peter Powers, pastor of the church in Newent. 

Daniel Kirkland, formerly pastor at Newent. 



second " 


a 




Chelsea. 


first " 


Hebron. 




Gilead. 


a " 


Stonington. 


first " 


New London 




Groton. 



Asher Rosseter, 




fii'st church 


Preston. 


Jabez Wright, 




fourth 


a 


Norwich. 


David Jewett, 




second 


a 


New London. 


Benjamin Throop, 




a 


a 


Norwich. 


Samuel Mosely, 




a 


u 


Windham. 


Steplien White, 




a 


li 


a 


Richard Salter, 




a 


a 


Mansfield. 


Timothy Allen, 






a 


Ashford. 


Ephraim Little, 




first 


a 


Colchester. 


Hobart Estabrook, 




a 


a 


EastHaddam. 


Joseph Fowler, 




(( 


a 


u 


Benjamin Boardman, 




fourth 


a 


Middletown. 


John Norton, 




sixth 


iC 


a 


Benjamin Dunning, 




a 


a 


Marlborough. 



Besides this we have another paper of commendation, dated 
New Jersey, September 5, 1765, which, among many other 
words, bears this testimony: 

" We whose names are hereunto subscribed do certify that 
we have had frequent opportunities of being well-informed of 
an Indian Charity School which was some years ago instituted 
in the Colony of Connecticut, and which, by the continued 
smiles of Heaven, hath remarkably succeeded under the care 
of the Rev. and worthy Mr. Eleazar Wheelock, &c . 
Thomas Gage, Commander-in-chief of His Majesty's forces in 

America. 
Francis Bernard, Governor of Massachusetts. 
Benjamin Wentworth, Governor of New Hampshire. 



60 

William Franklin, Governor of New Jersey. 

John Penn, Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. 

Thomas Fitch, Governor of Connecticut, 

Cadwallader Golden, Lieutenant Governor of New York. 

"William Allen, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. 

Frederick Smith, Chief Justice of New Jersey. 

Theodore Atkinson, Chief Justice Superior Court of New 
Hampshire. 

Mark H. Wentworth, of His Majesty's Council in New Hamp- 
shire. 

Daniel Warner, Judge of the Common Pleas in New Hami> 
shire. 

William Smith, Justice of Superior CoTirt in New York. 

Peter Levins, of his Majesty's Council in New Hampshire. 

Samuel Woodruif, of his Majesty's Council in New Jersey. 

Joseph Shippen, Secretary of Pennsylvania. 

Theodore Atkinson, Jr., Secretary of New Hampshire. 

W. P. Smith, Mayor of Elizabethtown, New Jersey. 

Andrew Elliott, Collector in New York. 

Henry Shcrbourn, of the House of Representatives, New 
Hampshire. 

John Goff, of the House of Representatives, New Hampshire. 

William Smith, Jr., Lawyer in New York. 

John Morin Scott, Lawyer in New York. 

William Livingston, Lawyer in New York. 

Henry Wisner, of the General Assembly in New York. 

Eleazar Miller, of the General Assembly in New York. 

John Redman, M. D., in Philadelphia. 

John Morgan, M. D., in Philadelphia. 

William Farquhar, Benjamin Y. Prime, James Smith, Physi- 
cians in New York. 

Abraham Gardner, Col. in East Hampton. 

Samuel Smith, Daniel Roberdeau, Merchants in Philadelphia. 

P. V. B. Livingston, James Jauncey, David Shaw, Garr. 
Rapalje, John Smith, John Provost, John Vender Spiegel, 
William M'Adams, Laurence Read, Dirk Brinkerhoff, Gar- 
rat Noel, Merchants in New York. 



61 

Samuel Seburj, Thomas B. Chandler, D. D., Jacob Duche, 
Ministers and Missionaries of the Church of England, by- 
order of the Presbytery of New York, James Caldwell, 
Clerk. 
John Ewing, Charles Beatty, Richard Treat, John Strain, 

Ministers in Pennsylvania. 
Samuel Finley, D. D., President of the College in|N. J. 
Lambertus De Ronde, Archibald Laidlie, Joan E-itzema, John 
Albert Weygand, Ministers of the Protestant Dutch Church 
in New York. 
Thomas Jackson, Preacher of the gospel in New York. 
Ebenezer Prime, Thomas Lewis, Silvanus White, James 

Brown, Samuel Buel, Ministers on Long Island. 
Naphtali Daggett, S. T. P. in Yale College, Connecticut. 
Jonathan Parsons, Minister in Newbury, Massachusetts. 
Samuel Haven, Minister in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 
John Rogers, Joseph Treat, Ministers in New York. 

The number of scholars ranged from fifteen to twenty-five, 
about one half Indians, the others being English youth devo- 
ted chiefly tD the work of missions among the Indians. The 
principal tribes from which these Indian pupils came, and the 
method of conducting this enterprise will be fairly indicated 
by this record of a hundred years ago : 

"March 12, 1765, the Board of Correspondents met to ex- 
amine Mr. Titus Smith and Mr. Theophilus Chamberlain, of 
their qualification for missionaries, and approved them. And 
also examined and approved David Fowler, a Montauk Indian, 
and Joseph Woolley and Hezekiah Calvin, Delawares, for 
schoolmasters among the Indians. They also examined Jacob 
Fowler, a Montauk, Moses, Johannes, Abraham Primus, 
Abraham Secundus, and Peter, Mohawks, and approved them 
as well accomplished for schoolmasters, excepting their want 
of age, and therefore appointed them to serve in the capacity 
of ushers, under the direction and conduct of the mission- 
aries." 

Of those who were actually sent out as missionaries only a 
brief mention can here be made. 

Samson Occom, born in 1723, was ordained by the Suffolk 



62 

Presbytery on Lonj3j Island, and labored among tbc Montauk 
Indians, the Oneidas, and several other tribes, until 1766, 
when he was sent to England, in company with Rev. Mr. 
Whitaker, to solicit aid for the school. Being the first Indian 
preacher that had ever visited that country, he quickly enlisted 
an interest in himself personally, and in his mission, which 
proved a very successful one. He gained the reputation, both 
at home and abroad, of being an able and impressive preacher. 
His labors among the Indians were attended with the blessing 
of God. He preached a sermon on the execution of an Indian 
at New Haven, in 1772, which was published. He wrote an 
account of the Montauk Indians, which is still in manuscript. 
He was the author of that familiar and stirring hymn, 
"Awaked by Sinai's awful sound." In the latter part of his 
life he labored at various places in the vicinity'of Albany, and 
a barn is still pointed out in the Mohawk valley by those who 
heard him preach in it seventy -five or eighty years ago. He 
died in New Stockbridge, New York, July 14, 1792, in the 
sixty-ninth year of his age. 

It does not appear that any other Indian youth from Dr. 
Wheelock's school became ordained missionaries. Many, 
however, were sent out as schoolmasters, and schools which 
promised well for a time were gathered in several of the tribes 
of the Six Nations. Here is a peep into one of these schools 
which we take through the eyes of one of the missionaries : 
" I am every day diverted and pleased with a view of Moses 
and his school, as I can sit in my study and see him and all 
his scholars at any time, the school house being nothing but 
an open barrack ; and I am much pleased to see eight, ten or 
twelve, and sometimes more scholars sitting round' their bark 
table, some reading, some writing, and others a studying, and 
all engaged, to appearance, with as much seriousness and 
attention as you will see in almost any worshiping assembly, 
and Moses at the head of them with the gravity of a divine of 
fifty or threescore." 

And here are a few words from one of these schoolmasters, 
David Fowler, of the Montauk tribe, writing to Dr. Wheelock 
from his station among the Oneidas : 



63 

"Kanavarohare [Canajoharie,] June 15, 1765. 
Honored and Rev. Sir, 

This is the twelfth day since I began to keep this school, 
and I have put eight of my scholars into the third page of their 
spelling book ; some have got almost down to the bottom of 
said page. I never saw children exceed these in learning. 
The number of my scholars are twenty-six, when they are all 
present, but it is difficult to keep them together. They are 
often roving about from place to place to get something to 
live upon. I am also teaching a singing school. They take 
great pleasure in learning to sing. We can already carry 
three parts of several tunes. My friends are always looking 
for the ministers. There is scarce a day passes over but 
somebody will ask me, — 'When will the minister come?'" 

How many of Dr. Wheelock's Indian students actually be- 
came schoolmasters we can not tell, but at one time eight are 
spoken of as thus engaged, with 127 children under their care. 
Some of these youth gave evidence of true piety, and entered 
upon this work in the spirit of missionaries. As an illustra- 
tion of this, take these words of Joseph Wooley, a school- 
master among the Mohawks : " The language of my heart is, 
to contribute the little mite I have to the living God, and be 
in his service. My soul seems to be more and more upon the 
perishing pagans in these woods. I long for the conversion 
of their souls, and that they may come to the knowledge of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved. I wish I was made able 
to teach and instruct them, and I shall do whatever lies in my 
power to tell them of Christ as long as I tarry." 

Among those who sought instruction at this school was the 
celebrated Mohawk chief, Joseph Brant. He was born in 
1742, and, with other Indian youth, was sent here by Sir 
William Johnson. Espousing, as was most natural, the cause 
of the English against the Revolutionists, he became the for- 
midable enemy of the American forces. Wise in council, 
brave in action, and a terror to his adversaries, yet he was not 
without magnanimity as a warrior. In the work of missions 
among his people, he rendered very essential service, becom- 
ing an interpreter to the missionaries, and assisting them in 



64 

other ways, making his house an asylum for them in the wil- 
derness. About the year 1772 he united with the church and 
was very zealous in his efforts to christianize his people. At 
the close of the Revolutionary struggle he directed his atten- 
tion particularly to the social and moral elevation of the 
Indians, in which work he had great obstacles to oppose. He 
endeavored to secure for them systematic religious instruc- 
tion. He was disposed, at one time, to acquire a knowledge 
of the Greek language, in order to make a more accurate 
translation of the New Testament into his native tongue. 
While in England he published the "Book of Common 
Prayer," and the gospel of Mark, in Mohawk and English, 
and he there collected funds for the first Episcopal church 
which was built in Canada West. He died with a triumphant 
Christian faith, November 24, 1807, at the age of sixty-five. 

Of the English students in Dr. Wheelock's school, the first 
who went out as a missionary to the Indians, was Rev. Charles 
Jeffrey Smith. He was graduated at Yale College, in 1757, 
and was ordained as a missionary in Lebanon Crank, in 1763. 
After a short period of service among the Indians, he went to 
Virginia, to labor for the instruction of the slaves. He was 
subject to a disease which caused violent pain in i\\e head, and 
while on a visit to Long Island he went out with his gun on 
the morning of August 10, 1770, and was soon found dead, 
under circumstances indicating that he had shot himself. 

Samuel Kirkland, son of Rev. Daniel Kirkland, pastor of 
the third Congregational Church in Norwich, (now Lisbon,) 
was born at Norwich, December 1, 1741. At the age of 
twenty, he entered this school ; was graduated at Princeton 
College, New Jersey, in 1765, leaving College a few months 
before graduation to engage in his mission to the Indians ; a 
work to which he had given himself from very early life. In 
company with two Seneca Indians, he set out, November 20, 
1764, on a missionary expedition to their own tribe, the most 
remote and the most savage of the Six Nations. The snow 
was four feet deep, and he traveled on snow-shoes, with his 
pack of provisions on his back, more than two hundred miles 
into the wilderness, without paths or houses to lodge in. 



65 

After an absence of about a year and a half, a period of great 
hardship and peril, yet of some encouragement in his worlc, 
he returned to Connecticut, bringing a Seneca chief with him. 

On the 19th of June, 1766, he was ordained at Lebanon 
Crank, and on the same day received a general commission as 
an Indian Missionary from the Connecticut " Board of Cor- 
respondents" of the Society in Scotland for Propagating 
Christian Knowledge ; a board which was constituted July 4, 
1764, to have the supervision of these Indian missions. In 
about six weeks he was again at his mission work, taking up 
his residence among the Oneidas, where he continued to labor, 
with some interruptions, for more than forty years. A Chris- 
tian church was soon organized under his ministrations, 
which, by occasional accessions, showed a good degree of 
prosperity. His labors were partially suspended during the 
Revolutionary war, though he continued to hold such an in- 
fluence as to keep the Oneidas and part of the Mohawks on 
friendly terms with the Americans, while nearly all in the 
other tribes of the Six Nations took the position of active 
hostility. In 1779 he was Brigade Chaplain with General 
Sullivan, having previously been employed in procuring intel- 
ligence of the designs and movements of the enemy at Niagara. 
In the spring of 1784 he resumed his missionary work at 
Oneida. Two years afterwards his labors were attended with 
a considerable revival of religion, which seemed to have its 
beginning in the conversion of a strong minded Indian more 
than seventy years old, who up to that time had been a bigoted 
pagan. 

In 1788, Mr. Kirkland and his two eldest sons received 
from the Indians and the State of New York conjointly, a 
grant of large and valuable tracts of land in the vicinity of 
Oneida, on which he built for himself a log house. In 1790, 
while on a mission to Congress in behalf of the Senecas, he 
was instrumental in the conversion of the celebrated chief, 
Cornplanter, to the Christian faith. " In the winter of 1791-2, 
by request of the Secretary of War, he conducted about forty 
chiefs and warriors, a representation of five nations, to Phila- 
delphia, to consult with Congress on the best method of intro- 



G6 

ducing the blessings of civilization among them, and also with 
a view of preserving peace between the Indians and the Uni- 
ted States. This visit had the desired effect, and not only 
secured to the United States the friendship of the Six Nations, 
rendering them mediators between the Federal Government 
and the Western Indians, but also securing to the Six Nations 
an increased degree of favor from tlie Government in the pro- 
motion of education and civilization among them." 

In 1793 Mr. Kirkland accomplished what had long been a 
favorite object with him, in securing a charter for an institu- 
tion under the name of Hamilton Oneida Academy, to which 
he made a donation of several hundred acres of land. This 
Academy, in 1812, four years after his death, was exalted to 
the rank of a College, in the first class of which, at gradua- 
tion, with only one associate, was the Rev. George A. Cal- 
houn, D. D., of North Coventry. This is now Hamilton Col- 
lege, at Clinton, New York. 

Mr. Kirkland continued his labors among the Indians as he 
was able, and died February 28, 1808, aged sixty-six. His 
son, John Thornton Kirkland, was President of Harvard 
University from 1810 to 1828. He is the only missionary 
from Dr. Wheelock's school who spent his whole life among 
the Indians. Several others were distinctly set apart to this 
work, but during the distractions of the war, and from other 
influences, their connection with the work was of short dura- 
tion. 

Among these were Messrs. Titus Smith and Theophilus 
Chamberlain, who were ordained as missionaries April 24, 
1765, the latter graduating at Yale College in the same year, 
and the former in the year next preceding. They were with 
Dr. Wheelock several months, to prepare for the mission. 
Mr. Chamberlain had formerly been taken captive by the In- 
dians, and became so much interested in their welfare that he 
spent all his property and ran in debt in order to fit himself 
to preach the gospel among them. 

Mr. Sylvanus Ripley was early ordained as a missionary to 
the Indians. After his labors were closed in that capacity, 
he took the charge of the mission school, then connected with 



67 

Dartmouth College. In 1782 he became Professor of Divinity 
in the College, and succeeded Dr. Wheelock in the pastoral 
charge of the students and the inhabitants of the village of 
Hanover. 

Levi Frisbie, born in Branford, April, 1748, was placed 
under the care of Dr. Wheelock in 1767, with a view to his 
becoming a missionary. He was graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1771. In the two following years he was engaged 
in a mission to the Delaware Indians. He was ordained in 
1775, and continued in his mission work till broken off by the 
distracted state of the country. He was settled over the first 
church in Ipswich, Massachusetts, February 7, 1776, where he 
remained thirty years, and died February 25, 1806, at the age 
of fifty-eight. 

In company with Mr. Frisbie, David McClure was also en- 
gaged in the mission among the Delawares. He was born at 
Newport, Hhode Island, November 18, 1748. His youthful 
days were spent chiefly in Boston, in the school of the famous 
"Master Lovell." At the age of fifteen he became a member 
of Dr. Wheelock's school with a view to engage as a mission- 
ary among the Indians. He was graduated at Yale College 
irr'1769. He was ordained May 20, 1772, and after the ex- 
perience of a few months in the missionary work was com- 
pelled to desist because of the war. After a ministry of nine 
years in Northampton, Massachusetts, he was installed pastor 
of the church in East Windsor, (now South Windsor,) June 
11, 1786, where he died June 25, 1820, aged seventy-one, 
having held the pastoral office there thirty-four years. 

David Avery, born in Franklin, April 5, 1746, was also, for 
a short time, engaged in this missionary work. He was hope- 
fully converted under the preaching of Whitfield ; was fitted 
for College in Dr. Wheelock's school ; was graduated at Yale 
College in 1769 ; and was ordained as missionary to the Oneida 
Indians as colleague with Rev. Mr. Kirkland. In consequence 
of an injury received, he was soon obliged to leave the mis- 
sion ; and after preaching on Long Island a short time, he was 
settled over a church in Gaysboro, (now Windsor,) Vermont, 
March 25, 1773. The Sabbath after the news of the battle of 



68 

Lexington reached his place, he preached his farewell sermon, 
telling the people that God would take care of them ; as for 
himself he was going to join the army. When the congrega- 
tion was dismissed, he took his stand upon the steps and gave 
a soul-stirring address in behalf of his country, entreating his 
people, "by every motive of patriotism, and as they valued 
liberty and abhorred slavery, not to turn a deaf ear to her cry." 
Twenty of his parishioners gave a quick response to his ap- 
peal, chose him captain, shouldered their muskets and started 
on foot for Boston, and in ten days from the battle at Lexing- 
ton they were in their camp at Cambridge. The next day, 
which was the Sabbath, standing -upon a temporary stage, 
formed by turning up a rum hogshead, in the area of Cam- 
bridge College, he preached from Nehemiah 4 ; 14, " And I 
looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles and rulers, and 
to the rest of the people. Be not afraid of them ; remember 
the Lord which is great and terrible, and fight for your breth- 
ren, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your 
homes." While holding his position as captain, he instituted 
daily religious services, going from tent to tent to read the 
word of God. 

He was at the battle of Bunker Hill; saw the defeat of our 
army at the battle of Long Island; was by the side of Wash- 
ington in his melancholy retreat through the Jerseys ; was 
present at the taking of Burgoyne, at the capture of the Hes- 
sians at Trenton, and in the battle of Princeton ; was in the 
army during that terrible winter at Valley Forge; helped 
build the fortifications at Ticonderoga ; was by the side of 
Washington when he signed the death warrant of Andre, and 
witnessed the execution of that ill-fated British officer ; and 
was very active in the efforts which were made to capture the 
traitor Arnold. Having served his country as captain and 
afterwards as chaplain from the beginning to the end of the 
war, he preached successively at Bennington, Vermont, at 
Wrentham, Massachusetts, and Chaplin, Connecticut, and 
died in September, 1818, aged seventy-two. 

This missionary enterprize among the Indians was begun 
with much promise ; was carried on in the face of increasing 



69 

obstacles, -with a true Christian and commendable zeal, and if 
it did not reach the full anticipations, this must be attributed 
in part to the on-coming Revolutionary struggle, and in part 
to the impracticability of turning the Indian character to very 
extensive service in the work of missions. How much good 
was actually accomplished, — how many of those Indian souls 
were turned from paganism to the saving reception of Christ, 
eternity alone can reveal. It is to be noticed that the success 
which attended these early missionary efforts among the In- 
dians is very much like the success which has attended the 
efforts of later days. They are an unsettled roving people, 
and if any thing is to be done for their spiritual welfare, it 
must be done under these unfavorable circumstances. And 
no one can say that all that has been done for them is not fully 
justified by the actual spiritual renovation which, in individ- 
ual instances, may have been wrought by the Spirit and the 
Word. 



70 



TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF REV. E. WHEELOCK, D. D., 

FOUNDER OF MOOR'S CHARITY SCHOOL AND 

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE. 

Br Dr. 0. B. Lyman. 



The past in scanning, much we often find, 
To please and interest the inquiring mind : 
Old things not always are devoid of worth, 
When found connected with one's place of birth ; 
And often, light upon the mind is cast. 
As we compare the Present with the Past. 

We plant an acorn — 'tis a little thing — 
A little plant will from that acorn spring ; 
In a few years will rise above our heads 
A giant oak, that wide its branches spreads, 
Destined to stand perhaps a thousand years, 
'Mid storm and calm — at last it disappears. 

One hundred years ago, a man of worth. 

With a big heart — Old Windham gave him birth — 

Started in Lebanon — Columbia now the name — 

A little school the forest sons to tame : 

Here the poor Indian sought for mental food, 

Here Occum found, that God was righteous, good : 

That pale men too, instruction here received, 

Here sought the truth, here found, and here believed. 

Here Occum was prepared to preach the Word, 

And set before his race his dying Lord : 

Hence too he went to visit England's shore. 

Preach to her king — sight never seen before. 

From this, the thought in Wheelock's mind arose, 

To found a College ere his life should close, 

Where the poor pagan might be led to find 

Light, food and drink, for his benighted mind, 

As well as he who wears a lighter skin. 

But has a soul as deeply stained with sin. 

Thus Dartmouth" s seed was sown and sprouted here. 

At least, in Wheelock's mind, with fervent prayer. 



71 

He now before his people laid his plan, 

Elsewhere, to consummate the work began. 

With deep regret they heard his earnest plea, 

Reluctantly consent it might so be.* 

From the great work he could not well be turned, 

His heart for it with love increasing burned. 

Occum had touched a chord in England's heart, 

Thrilling it with sympathy in every part. 

Its warmest friend Lord Dartmouth soon became, 

And hence the institution took its name. 

King George himself enchanted with the theme. 

Became a donor to the glorious scheme, 

And by his lords and men of high renown, 

The same good feeling for the cause was shown : 

Wheelock was moved with an increase of toil, 

To transplant Dartmouth to a northern soil, 

And like Elisha in the wilderness, 

A school of Prophets found that God would bless: 

So hence to Hampshire 'neath her lofty pine, 

That gleam and sing in Hght and notes divine, 

Removed from hills, on an extensive plain. 

Where undisturbed the school might long remain. 

There like a Patriarch, he, full of years, 

Planted and watered Dartmouth with his tears : 

Yes, lived to see her rooted deep and strong. 

With every prospect of her living long. 

Like Solomon's father, what he had begun, 

To finish up, he left behind, his son : 

Like good old Simeon, serene and calm. 

His infant school now resting on his arm, 

His arm of faith, upheld by God's free grace, 
He now could say, "let me depart in peace!" 
His course thus finished, like a star at even, 
He sank to rest, a brilliant gem of heaven ! 

Thus, as the oak that from the acorn sprung. 

Has towered high, its branches wide outflung, 

So Dartmouth stands, though small indeed at birth, 

A school matured and full of sterling worth: 

A monument bespeaking noblest praise, 

To Wheelock's memory, in remotest days. 



* See Note A, Appendix. 



72 



STATEMENTS AI^D STATISTICS. 

By Rev. William H. Moore. 



The population of your town in 1840 was 842 ; in 1860, 
854, — a gain of twelve. 

It is worthy of notice that your church has so generally 
been supplied with pastors, not having been destitute over 
fifteen years in 150. 

Twelve revivals are named since 1780, or, on an average, 
one in seven years. 

Sixteen ministers have been raised up from this parish, — 
one in ten years, and it has thus furnished about 300 years of 
ministerial service in Connecticut, and about 175 years out- 
side of Connecticut, including forty-four years among the 
heathen ; — making about 475 years in all. 

In January 1, 1832, the church reported 155 members, 
which included the addition by the revival of 1831 ; which, 
namely, forty-one, being deducted would leave the member- 
ship before the revival, 114. In January 1, 1866, there were 
132 members, or fifteen per cent, of the population. The 
fruits of the present revival will increase the ratio to twenty 
per cent. 

The General Association has published the statistics of the 
churches for thirty-five years, beginning -in 1882. In seven 
of these years your church made no report ; in twenty-eight 
years they made reports. In eleven of these none were added 
by profession ; in twenty-six of them infants were baptized. 
In the twenty-eight years reported, 165 came in by profession, 
or six a year ; and seventy-six died, or three a year ; tlie pro- 
fessions being double the deaths, which is a good record. In 
these years there came in by letter, fifty-one ; went out by let- 
ter, fifty; which shows that the church does not diminish 
from this source. Dividing these years into two periods of 
fourteen each, we find that the deaths in the two periods are 



73 

nearly equal, thirty-seven and thirty-nine ; as well as the in- 
fant baptisms, fifty-seven and fifty-eight. The ratio of infants 
baptized to a thousand members, is thirty-one. You ought to 
be gratified with this record on infant baptism. And I hope 
the ratio will not fall during the administration of your pres- 
ent pastor, and that that may exceed the term of any of his 
predecessors. 



75 



APPEI^DIX. 

PROCEEDINGS AND ORDER OF EXERCISES. 



Some time in the year 1865 the question was asked, Shall the cel- 
ebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the formation 
of the Church in Columbia be observed ? A general public sentiment 
seemed to answer — Yes. This event was to occur some time in the 
year 1866, the precise date of which could not be ascertained, but still 
no special action was taken towards the furtherance of this desire until 
June 29th, 1866, when it was "voted by the church to have an anni- 
versary celebration the present year, it being the one hundred and 
fiftieth year since the organization of the church and ecclesiastical 
society in this place," and at the same time 

"Rev. Frederick D. Avert, 
John S. Yeomans, 
William B. Little, 
Deac. Chester "W. Lyman, and 
David D. Little, 
were appointed a committee to make preliminary arrangements. 

Requests were also made to Rev. F. D. Avery and John S. Yeo- 
mans to prepare Historical Papers relating to the early history of the 
Church and Society. 

The committee of arrangements subsequently met and fixed upon 
the 24th day of October as the day of celebration. They also decided 
to have a general collation, and for the furtherance of this object 
appointed 

William H. Yeomans, 
Silas H. Dewet, 
Henry E. Lyman, 
Daniel T. Fuller, 
Samuel B. West, and 
James P. Little, 
, a committee on collation. 

They also appointed Samuel F. West, Esq., to be President of 
the day, and arranged their order of exercises. 



76 



OKDER OF EXERCISES. 

MORNING. 
Voluntary; Anthem, — Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 
Reading of Scriptures by the Pastor. 

HYMN. 

Tune, Boylston. 

1. Great is the Lord our God, 

And let his praise be great ; 
He makes his churches his abode, 
His most delightful seat. 

2. These temples of his grace, 

How beautiful they stand ! 

The honors of our native place, 

And bulwarks of our land. 

3. In Zion God is known, 

A refuge in distress : 
How bright hath his salvation shone, 
Through all her palaces ! 

4. Oft have our fathers told, 

Our eyes have often seen. 
How well our God secures the fold, 
Where his own sheep have been. 

5. In every new distress, 

We'll to his house repair, 
We'll think upon his wondrous grace, 
And seek deliverance there. 

Prayer by Rev. S. G. Willard, of Willimantic. 

ANNIVERSARY HYMN. 

Words by Doct. 0. B. Lyman, of Hartford. 
Tune, Salome. 
1. Since this fair branch from yonder vine. 
Was plucked and planted in this soil, 
And since was built this holy shrine, 

'Midst earnest prayer and praise and toil, 
One hundred fifty years have fled ; 
The fathers sleep now with the dead. 



77 

2. Great God ! we tread these courts to-day, 

To celebrate that hour divine, 
When our forefathers led the way, 

To plant and rear this precious vine; 
This vine they watered with their tears, 
That fruit might grow in future years. 

3. It has been watched and pruned and kept. 

Through God's dear children until now, 
Here they have praised and prayed and wept, 

And here submissive still they bow; 
Still earnestly they press their suit. 
That it may bear much precious fruit. 

4. Here sinners too are wont to cry 

For mercy to our father's God, 
That he would hear them from on high. 

And stay yet his avenging rod ; 
Oh God of Love ! incline thine ear, 
The supphant's earnest prayer to hear. 

5. And as the years roll swiftly on. 

To make complete this century too. 
And we our labors shall have done. 

And bid the scenes of earth adieu. 
Still may this branch, this precious vine. 
Bear for our children fruit divine. 

Reading of the original petition of the people to be set off a society, 
by James P. Little, 

Historical Sketch,— The Pastors of the Church, by Rev. F. D. 
Avery. 

HYMN. 

Tune, Exhortation. 

1. Let saints below in concert sing, 

With those to glory gone : 
For all the servants of our King, 
In earth and heaven are one. 

2. One family we dwell in him. 

One church above, beneath, 
Though now divided by the stream. 
The narrow stream of death : 
10 



78 

3. One army of the living God, 

To his command we bow ; 
Part of the host have crossed the flood, 
And part are crossing now. 

4. Some to their everlasting home, 

This solemn moment fly ; 
And we are to the margin come, 
And soon expect to die. 

5. Lord Jesus be our constant guide ; 

And, when the word is given. 
Bid death's cold flood its waves divide, 
And laud us safe in heaven. 

Historical Paper, — Meeting Houses, by J. S. Yeomans. 
Recess to partake of collation. 

AFTERNOON. 

Historical Papers^ — Education, Music, and Miscellaneous, by J. S. 
Yeomans. 

HYMN. 

Tune, Bridgewaier. 

1. The Saviour, when to heaven he rose, 
In splendid triumph o'er his foes, 
Scattered his gifts on men below, 
And wide his royal bounties flow. 

2. Hence sprung the apostles' honored name. 
Sacred beyond heroic fame : 

In lowlier forms to bless our eyes, 
Pastors from hence, and teachers rise. 

3. So shall the bright succession run, 
Through the last courses of the sun ; 
While unborn churches, by their care, 
Shall rise and flourish, large and fair. 

4. Jesus, our Lord, their hearts shall know, 
The spring whence all these blessings flow ; 
Pastors and people shout his praise. 
Through the long round of endless days. 



79 

Ministers raised in the Parish, by Rev. F. D. Avert. 
Address, — Reminiscences of Columbia, by Rev. C. Little, of 
"Woodbury. 

Address, by Rev. W. H. Moore, of Berlin. 

HYMN. 

Tune, Coronation. 

1. All hail the power of Jesus' name ! 

Let angels prostrate fall ; 
Bring forth the royal diadem, 
And crown him Lord of all. 

2. Crown him, ye martyrs of our God, 

Who from his altar call ; 
Hail him who saves you by his blood, 
And crown him Lord of all. 

3. Sinners, whose love can ne'er forget, 

The wormwood and the gall, — 
Go, spread your trophies at his feet, 
And crown him Lord of all. 

4. Let every kindi-ed, every tribe, 

On this terrestrial ball, 
To him all majesty ascribe, 
And crown him Lord of all. 

Historical Papers, — The Deacons, — Moor's Indian Charity School, 
by Rev. F. D. Avert. 

Voluntary ; Anthem, — Before Jehovah's awful throne. 

Poems, by Doctor 0. B. Ltman, of Hartford. 

Remarks by Rev. Mr. Pike, of Marlborough. 

Remarks, by Rev. S. G. Willard, of Willimantic, and Rev. F. 
Williams, of ChapHn. 

Prayer, by Rev. F. Williams, of Chaplin. 

DOXOLOGT. 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow ! 
Praise Him, all creatux-es here below ! 
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host: 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

BENEDICTION. 



80 

At a meeting of the Church, held October 26th, 1866, it was voted 
that the Exercises of the Celebration be published, and 
John S. Yeomans, 
Samuel F. West, and 
Rev. F. D. Avert, 
were appointed a committee to superintend the publication. 

At a meeting of the Ecclesiastical Society, held October 27th, 1866, 
it was voted that the Society committee, consisting of 
AsHER K. Fuller, 
Horatio W. Little, and 
John A. Hutchins, 
act with the committee appointed by the Church upon the matter of 
the publication. 



THE COLLATION. 
Owing to the lateness of the season it became necessary that the 
Collation should be dispensed at the Town Hall. And through the 
untiring energy of the committee whose business it was to arrange 
this portion of the exercises, it was made one of the attractions of the 
day. This committee at one of their meetings appointed a sub-com- 
mittee to assist in the distribution of the refreshments, consisting of 
the following named persons : 

Charles H. Clark, Miss Sophia C. Yeomans, 

James L. Downer, Miss Emilt J. Little, 

Mrs. Silas H. Dewey, Miss Esther Hutchins, 

Mrs. Charles H. Clark, Miss Emily A. Wright, 

Mrs. William H. Yeomans, Miss Amelia J. Fuller, 
Mrs. Henry G. Woodworth, Miss Mary D. Little, 
Mrs. Daniel T. Fuller, Miss Mary Daniels. 

According to request, at an early hour of the day of the celebration, 
the good things, requisite to sate the appetite, began to flow in from 
all parts of the town, which continued until all the space apportioned 
to that purpose was literally filled to overflowing ; so that the commit- 
tee were enabled to make a "Bill of Fare," consisting of the following: 
Cold Tongue, Baked Lamb, (stuffed,) Sandwiches, Wheat Bread, 
Fruit Cake, Silver Cake, Cookies, Apple Pie, Cream Pie, Apples, 
Sliced Beef Ham, Cold Chicken, Biscuit, Loaf Cake, Gold Cake, 
Cup Cakes, Fried Cakes, Mince Pie, Corn Starch Pie, Baked Apples, 
Coffee. 



81 ) 

Much of the cake was beautifully trimmed, showing the artistic 
taste of the ladies of 1866. The tables were also decorated with 
bouquets of flowers. As the hour of repast arrived, the citizens and 
strangers repaired to the hall, preceded by the President and Clergy- 
men present, where after order was restored, a blessing was invoked 
by Rev. William J. Jennings, of North Coventry, and the wants of 
the inner man were bountifully supplied. 

The fragments remaining, were distributed among the needy; 
thereby filling their hearts with thankfulness, that it was put into the 
minds of the people, to celebrate the one hundred and fiftieth anniver- 
sary of the formation of the Church and Society of Columbia. 



COPY OF ORIGINAL PETITION OF THE PEOPLE TO BE SET 
OFF A SOCIETY. 

To y^ inhabitants of Lebanon the humble petition of us whose 
Names are under written inhabiting at a place called the crank and at 
Hop river and a,jacent to y* crank with some others that have a right 
of land near sd Crank. Humbly showeth that whereas the providence 
of God who bounds our habitations hath so ordered our settlement in 
the world so remote from y® publick worship of God, which we and 
ours stand in great need of w" by Reason of y^ Remoteness of the place 
of worship, which way ever we goe, that there are but few of our fam- 
ilies can constantly attend and we being got to such a number of fami- 
leys that are here and preparing to come among us that we hope that 
in case you that are our fathers, breathren & Christian friends in Leb- 
anon would be pleased to grant us with y® accommodation of part of 
y'' land in the Township of Lebanon w° we might have y® worship of 
God set up among us in some short time w*^ we hope, we greatly desire 
& shall indeaver after, according as y'^ providence of God shall lead in 
that matter ; and we hope and are confident that you would do for us 
w* you can that may be reasonable for to incorage &, promote so good 
a work. We therefore desire and intreat you who are our fathers, 
brethren and Christian friends in s'' Lebanon to consider our case & 
do what you can conveniently to promote such a good work & set out 
to us for y® promoting of a sociaty heare, as much of your Township 
as may be incoueging for y'' same. We dont here pretend to be our 
owne carvers but desire and request of you that a line may be run 



82 

from y" North Pond the westerly line of y* five mile to y® great Cheast- 
nutt tree on Cheastnutt Hil, which is the Northerly corner of y* five 
mile ; then to turn eastward in the line of y* five mile to y* southarly 
branch of ten mile brook so down by y* brook as the brook runs to 
(the) y' eastward part of y" town bounds to be, to incorieg the above 
sd sociaty, but in case you canot comply with y^ above sd line takeing 
in all the Land in y^ town bounds towards hebron & windham we then 
desire your compliance, in any other line that you may se cause to 
afibrd us for y' incorieging so good a work ; we also desire and crave 
your holys with respect of gaining in to y" Township that land lying 
between Lebanon bounds & Coventry or so much of it as you may 
judge nesesary for to obtain y" end above sd; and it seems needful that 
there be speedy care taken about those of us that Uve out of y' bounds 
of Lebanon that they be brought into the bounds, for we understand in 
case nothing be propounded to further & promote y^ motion above sd, 
that our friends at Coventry do intend to petition the Generall Court 
that such of us as are out of y* bounds of Lebanon might be annexed 
to Coventry, & if it be once don their may be aboundance of more 
difficulty in bringing about the designe above sd, and further, seince it 
is so that we or y^ most of us must attend it & we be thereby forc*^ to 
do it we pray that we may be freed from paying to y^ ministery in 
Lebanon ; and also that provided we are incorieged in so good a work 
as y* settling of a sosiaty heare that we in a short time be at Charge 
towards y'' settling of a minister heare by building, breaking up of 
Land & forming of it in that we thereby may incorieg a minister to 
settle among us ; we then desire our publick taxes as to town charges 
might be also Released to us all, w;= we hope you will Readaly Grant 
to us your Humble petitioners ; and in so doing you will greatly oblige 
us who are your friends & Neighbours. 

Leb°, February ye 28th, 1714-15. 

Richard Mason, Josiah Loomis, Jr., Benjamin Woodworth, Charles 
Dowolf, Josiah Loomis, Henry Woodworth, Benony Clark, Ebenezer 
Richardson, Ezekiell Woodworth, Isaac Tilden, Joseph Clark, Ephraim 
Sprague, Benj" Woodworth, Jr., Sam" Wright, John Sweetland, Josiah 
Lyman, Thomas Porter, Ebenezer Woodworth, Joseph Fowler, 
Ephraim Tupper, Caleb Loomis, Benja" Small, Nath" Dewey, Thomas 
Woodward. 



88 

April the 26th, 1715, at a Legall town Meting of y® inhabitance of 
Lebanon they then granted the petition of y" people at y® Crank either 
to be a sosiaty by themselves or a township according as the honoured 
Courte shall see cause to incorieg either for a sosiaty or a township, 
allways provided that y^ town Reserve to y" selves all y° Right of 
Land in sd tract, both alottments & Comon Right as to y", for y' land 
& also exept petitionning for an adition between Coventry & Lebanon, 
and also provided there be no publick taxes Layd on y'' Land untill 
y* Land be improved as y* Law directs & also whereas the petitioners 
to h* all the land on the westerly side of y* five mile it is agreed & we 
do alow they shall goe southwards on y' west side of y* five mile, so 
far as Hebron Road from Lebanon ; likewise provided they pay pub- 
lick taxes to y^ town untill they have liberty & incoriegement from 
the Generall Courte to be a sosiaty or township by themselves, the 
above written was voted by the town ; at the same time Stephen Til- 
den, Joseph Owen, John Huchison, Joseph Hutchinson, Joseph Owen, 
Jun., & Moses Owen, all entered their protest against the above sd 
vote. 



COPY OF A RATE BILL FOR THE NORTH PARISH OF LEBA- 
NON, (NOW COLUMBIA,) FOR THE YEAR 1741, TO PAY 
THE SALARY OF REV. ELEAZER WHEELOCK. 

The Sume total of this ReatBill | is £330-16-09 made for the De- 
fra I ing the Neserary Charges In y^ North | Parish in Lebanon 
Atested by us in j y^ year 1741 | 

Eliakim Tupper, > p 
John Newcomb, | ^^^ ^' 

To Joseph Paine, Collector of | Raits for y* North Parish in | Leb- 
anon this are to order you ] to Collect and Geather this Raite | of 
Each man his Portion as is set | Down in this Reate Bill and | you 
are to Geather it by y° | first day of January Next | and you are to 
Pay it unto y^ | Reved M' Eleazer Wheelock y« [ Sume of 290 by 
y^ first Day of | January next and y] Rest of y* | money you are to 
Pay unto M"^ John | Sims by y° Same time and this | Shall be your 
order December | y* 14 AD. 1741. 

Eliakim Tupper, ) p ., 
John Newcomb, j ^^^ ®* 

The Sum total of this Rate bill Except y« j Dooms if I Cast Right 
is £324-19-0 | Test. E. Wheelock. 



84 





£ s. d. 


Benj: Fuler 


3 01 01 


Samuel Allen 


4 02 11 


Amos Fuller 


2 05 09 


Robert Avery 


1 19 10 


Benj: Fuller, Ju': 


1 01 11 


Joshua Allan, Jur. 


2 01 08 


Amos Fuller, Jun' 


16 08 


Joshua AUen 


1 07 02 


Jeremiah Futer 


18 05 


John Allen 


1 19 06 


Noah Fuller 


18 05 


Samu' Allen, Jun. 


17 06 


Henry Glover 


3 01 11 


Samu' Buckengham 


4 14 06 


"William Gager 


2 15 06 


Jeams Brigs 


3 02 01 


Samuel Guilds 


1 15 10 


Jeams Bill 


3 15 08 


John Gibbs 


3 05 05 


Samuel Breuster 


3 01 03 


Henry Glover, Jun' 


1 15 00 


Benj: Ball 


1 17 05 


Samuel Guilds, Juner 


19 09 


Saxton Baly • 


2 05 10 


Ebenezer Gray, Esqure 


: 07 05 


Jedediah Bill 


17 06 


Samuel Hatehenson 


1 01 08 


Philip BiU 


3 01 00 


Nathanel House 


2 08 00 


Elisha Bill 


18 05 


Israel Guilds 


2 07 00 


Ebenezer Ball 


15 09 


Walter Harris 


2 09 00 


Joseph Clark 


7 10 01 


Nathaniel Hide 


06 00 


Benony Clark 


4 15 00 


Eleazer Hutchenson 


4 07 08 


Nehemiah Clason 


2 18 08 


Stephen Hutchenson 


2 09 01 


Beenj: Collins 


4 18 00 


Jo" hutchenson 


2 00 00 


Solomon Curtis 


3 02 10 


Tim: Hutchenson 


2 02 04 


Dudatus Curtis 


15 09 


Abel Hole Brook 


1 13 05 


Nathaniel Curtis 


13 08 


Nathaniel House, Ju' 


2 00 01 


Joen Claseon 


1 05 15 


Stephen hunt 


2 02 09 


Nathan Claseon 


18 05 


WilHm: Hunt 


2 17 07 


Danel Church 


00 06 


John house 


1 14 02 


Eleazer Curtis 


18 05 


Samul House 


1 01 06 


John Dogit 


3 09 02 


Gideon House 


15 09 


John Damond 


2 05 11 


Nathanel knap 


07 00 


Henry Dyre 


1 17 01 


Richard Lyman 


2 16 01 


Joseph Davis 


1 14 01 


Josiah Lyman 


3 08 02 


Nathaniel Dewey 


05 01 


Joseph Loomis, 


1 14 00 


Sam' Dunham 


1 01 13 


Benony Loomis 


1 05 05 


Sam' Dewey 


02 11 


Nathanel Lomis 


1 09 07 


John Damond, Jun' 


1 01 11 


Caleb Loomis 


1 14 05 


Jonathan Dewey 


1 02 09 


Tomas Lyman 


2 03 01 


Joseph Dewey 


1 14 09 


David Lyman 


1 07 09 


Moses Dewey 


15 09 


John Loomis 


12 03 


Richard English 


2 01 02 


Danel Lee 


1 10 08 


John English 


1 01 00 


Ephraim Loomis 


1 01 00 



85 



Ichabod Maxfield 
Isaac Merit 
Peter mesusan 
Linsford mory 
John Newcomb 
Samuel Negus 
Eddy Newcomb 
Josiah Owen 
Thomas Porter 
Joseph Paine 
John Porter 
Josiah Phiny 
Jeams Pinno 
Samuel Porter 
Jeames Pease 
Joseph Pinno 
Samuel Parker 
Joshua Phinney 
william Phinney 
John Pitkin 
Israel Post 
Phineas Post 
Amos Randal 
David Royce 
mathew Royce 
Ephraira Sprague 
John Sims 
John Sollai"d 
John Swet Land 
Benj: Smaley 
John Sims, Junr. 
william Sims 
Peleg Spraug 
Perez Spraug 
william Swift 
Joseph Smaley 
George Sims 
John Sprauge 
Benj: Swet Land 
John Sweet Land, Jun"" 
11 



1 07 02 Joseph Swet Land 2 12 02 

1 13 01 Elijah Sprauge 1 15 11 

16 08 Jeams Smalley 2 01 02 

2 11 07 Eliakim Tupper 3 16 08 
5 11 02 Stephen Tuttle 1 08 02 

2 06 05 Jeams tuttle 19 08 

1 06 03 Elias Tupper 1 03 08 
19 03 Ebenezer Tomas 05 03 
4 18 00 Ezekel Tomas 2 19 05 

3 16 02 William Vallence 1 17 05 
3 11 06 Henry woodward 4 05 09 

2 17 11 Nathanel white 4 13 05 

3 04 01 Thomas wooward 3 02 09 
2 05 07 Ebenezer woodwarth 4 19 04 
2 08 03 Benj: woodwarth 2 14 06 

18 05 Ichabod woodworth 3 16 00 

2 13 02 Amos woodwarth 2 03 04 

1 09 04 Ezekel woodwarth 2 03 10 
1 00 03 Samuel woodward 2 07 03 
05 07 Israel woodward 3 19 09 

12 03 Jeams Wright 2 07 00 

3 03 00 Thomas white 1 04 02 

1 14 10 Noah Webster 1 15 05 
1 08 11 Preserved wright 2 04 03 

1 18 09 Ebenezer woodwarth, Jr. 1 01 00 

4 04 11 Nathanel wright 1 11 00 

4 08 05 Ebenezer wright 1 00 00 
3 01 00 Samuel wright 2 04 06 
3 17 11 Benony wright 1 02 09 

5 00 02 Henry woodward, Juner. 13 09 

2 08 08 Ebenezer Richardson 4 16 01 
2 07 07 Youngs 03 07 

18 05 Noah Dewey 1 19 01 
2 00 08 Philip Bill his Doome 

2 09 00 Rate for Estate not 

2 00 03 Given in 03 00 

1 09 09 Captin Buckengham is 

02 10 Doomed for Estate 

1 02 09 not Given in 11 11 
1 08 02 



MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, 
Janiaary, 1867. 



Rev. Frederick D. Avery, > 
Mrs. Charlotte M. Avery, \ 
" Lucina C. Armstrong, 
" Lucretia B. Avery, 
" Sally E. Abell. 

Mrs. Sophia Bar stow, 
Henry W. Buell, > 

Mrs. Nancy Buell, ) 
" Harriet E. Button, 
Charlotte J. Brown, 
Alice L. Brown, 
Fannie W. Bascom. 

William Collins, } 

Mrs. Roxana Collins, > 
Joseph Clark, } 

Mrs. Margaret Clark, ) 
" Mary Clark, 

Lyman C. Clark, } 

Mrs. Cynthia Clark, J^ 
Willard B. Clark, ) 

Mrs. Lucy F. Clark, ^ 
Charles H. Clark, > 

Mrs. Caroline O. Clark, ^ 
" Clarissa Clark, 
Samuel A. Collins, 
William A. Collins, 
Jane A. Collins, 
Louisa Chenery. 

Eleazer Dewey, 
Dea. Lorenzo W. Dewey, > 
Mrs. Lucy Dewey, ^ 

Elmore G. Dewey, ( 
Mrs. Elizabeth C. Dewey, ) 

Silas IL Dewey, 
Mrs. Nancy M. Dewey, 
" Sarah A. Dewey, 

Catharine A. Dewey. 

Jonathan C. Fuller, > 
Fuller, ^ 



er, \ 



Amasa B. Fuller, | 
Mrs. Minerva A. Fuller, i 

Alanson H. Fuller, ) 
Mrs. Mary L. Fuller, S 

Asher K. Fuller, | 
Mrs. Caroline A. Fuller, ^ 

George B. Fuller, > 
Mrs. Jane E. Fuller, ]" 

Daniel T. Fuller, 
Mrs. M. Amelia Fuller, 
" Naomi Fuller, 

Gilbert Fuller, 

Wealthy Fuller, 

Orrilla Fuller, 

Amelia J. Fuller, 

Ozro D. Fuller. 

Mrs. MIndwell Holbrook, 
" Elizabeth M. Hunt, 

" Nancy Holbrook, 

" Betsey A. Hunt, 

" Sarah B. Hunt, 

" Eliza F. Hutchins, 

" Jane Holbrook, 

" Eliza Hartson, 

" Elizabeth J. Holbrook, 
Anson Holbrook, 
Olivia Holbrook, 
John A. Hutchins, > 

Mrs. Gertrude M. Hutchins, \ 

Joseph Hutchins, 
Mrs. Lucy W. Holt, 
Esther Hutchins, 
Eliza A. Hutchins, 
Alice M. Holbrook, 
L. Iluldah Holbrook, 
Ellen E. Holbrook, 
Lucy J. Holbrook. 

Shubael S. Isham, > 
Mrs. Mary A. Isham. ) 



Mrs. Nancy A 
Charles I 
Mrs. Sophia Fuller 



Charles R. Fuller, ) 



Dea. Benjamin Lyman, 

« Chester W. Lyman 
Mrs. Cornelia E. Lyman 



87 



Mrs. Sophia Lyman, 

Mrs. Nancy Little, 
Norman Little, 
Benjamin W. Lyman, 

Mrs. Wealthy Little, 
Lydia Lyman, 
Lucina W. Lyman, 
Samuel Little, 
William B. Little, ) 

Mrs. Harriet P. Little, \ 
Horatio W. Little, ) 

Mrs. Esther E. Little, ]" 
David D. Little, > 

Mrs. Maria J. Little, i 
Norman P. Little, ) 

Mrs. Mary Ann Little, ^ 
Giles Little, ) 

Mrs. Cynthia A. Little, J 
James P. Little, 
Emily J. Little, 
Hubert Little, 
Myron W. Little, 
Samuel E. Lyman, ) 

Mrs. Fannie C. Lyman, \ 
Alfred W. Lyman, T 

Mrs. Elizabeth C. Lyman, ]" 
Charlotte H. Little, 
Mary D. Little, 
Henry E. Lyman, 
Chester B. Lyman. 

Mrs. Sally Manley, 
" Martha G. Mcintosh, 
George W. Morgan, 
Adelaide M. Morgan. 

Mrs. Harriet Nye. 

Mary J. Osborne. 

Mrs. Saxsy Perry, 

" Clarissa F. Porter, 
Augustus Post, I 

Mrs. Betsey G. Post, J 

" Harriet J. Page, 

Dr. Moses H. Perkins, > 

Mrs. Jane Perkins, | 



Albert F. Preston, > 
Mrs. Mary A. Preston, y 

Leander Richardson, > 
Mrs. Mary A. Richardson, ^ 

Erving L. Richardson, 

James H. Richardson, ) 
Mrs. Elizabeth T. Richardson, \ 

Elizur F. Reed, ) 
Mrs. Harriet A. Reed. J 

Samuel Sawyer, ) 
Mrs. Amanda B. Sawyer, ^ 
Clara E. Sawyer. 

Mrs. Esther P. Tickner, 
Sarah E. Tucker. 

Lydia West, 

George Wright, > 
Mrs. Merslia M. Wright, j 

Samuel F. West, > 
Mrs. Charlotte P. West, [ 

Asahel O. AVright, 
Mrs. Lovisa Wright, 

Madison Woodward, 7 
Mrs. Harriet L. Woodward, ^ 

George M. AVoodward, > 
Mrs. Emeline E.Woodward, ^ 

Warren S. Worth, > 
Mrs. Mary L. Worth, y 
" Jerusha C. Williams, 

Emily C. Williams, 

George A. Williams, 
Mrs. Ellen M. Woodworth, 

Mary N. West, 

Emily A. Wright. 

John S. Yeomans, ) 
Mrs. Sophia C. Yeomans, j 
Frederick Yeomans, > 
Mrs. Janette Yeomans, ^ 
" Seba Yeomans, 
" Harriet R. Yeomans, 
Samuel D. Yeomans, 
Sophia C. Yeomans, 
L. Maria Yeomans. 



CATALOGUE OF 

MEMBERS OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY, COLUMBIA, 
January 1, 1867. 



Henry W. Buell, 
Albert Brown, 
William Collins, 
Orren Clark, 
Chester Clark, 
Joseph Clark, 
Lyman C. Clark, 
Willard B. Clark, 
Charles H. Clark, 
Lorenzo W. Dewey, 
Eleazer Dewey, 
Elmore G. Dewey, 
Silas H. Dewey, 
Amasa B. Fuller, 
Alanson H. Fuller, 
Daniel T. Fuller, 
Asher K. Fuller, 
Charles R. Fuller, 
George B. Fuller, 
Simon Hunt, 
Amasa A. Hunt, 
Anson Holbrook, 
Silas A., Holbrook, 
Charles Holbrook, 
John A. Hutchins, 
Shubael S. Isham, 



Benjamin Lyman, 
Chester W. Lyman, 
Alfred W. Lyman, 
Samuel E. Lyman, 
Henry E. Lyman, 
William B. Little, 
Giles Little, 
Norman Little, 
David D. Little, 
James P. Little, 
Horatio W. Little, 
Samuel Little, 
Norman P. Little, 
George W. ^Morgan, 
Albert F. Preston, 
James H. Richardson, 
Leander Richardson, 
Samuel Sawyer, 
Andrew P. Utley, 
Samuel F. West, 
Madison Woodward, 
George Wright, 
Asahel O. Wright, 
George M. Woodward, 
Samuel B. West, 
John S. Yeomans. 



LofC. 



89 



THE FOLLOWING TABLE HAS BEEN PUENISHED BY REV. 
MR. MOORE. 



Year. 


Mem. 


Added by 


Removed 


by 


In. 
Bap. 


Ben. Cont. 




Prof. 


Let. 


Tot'l. 


Dth. 


Dis. 


Tot'l. 




1831 


155 


41 


1 


42 


6 





6 







1882 


149 











4 


2 


6 







1833 


146 





2 


2 


3 


2 


5 







1834 


142 





3 


3 


6 


1 


7 


8 




1835 


138 


2 


1 


3 


7 





7 







1836 


140 


3 


1 


4 


2 





2 







1837 


1-38 














2 


2 







1838 


132 





1 


1 


5 


2 


7 







1839 


122 


6 





6 


1 


4 


5 


7 


$153.03 


1840 


121 


2 


1 


3 


2 





2 


3 




1841 


138 


22 


3 


25 


4 


4 


8 


3 


228.14 


1842 


136 


6 


1 


7 


5 


2 


7 


8 


198.02 


1843 


137 


1 


4 


5 


4 


•2 


6 


9 


188.04 


1844 


132 


1 





1 


5 


2 


7 


5 


200.54 


1845 


137 


3 


6 


9 





4 


4 


4 


326.91 


1846- 


136 


X) 


4 


4 


3 


2 


5 


5 




1847 


137 





3 


3 


2 





2 


2 




1848 


133 





3 


3 


5 


2 


7 


3 




1849 


120 











4 


3 


7 


3 




1850 


118 





4 


4 


1 


4 


5 


3 




1851 


120 


7 


1 


8 


3 


3 


6 


4 


138.65 


1852 


118 


3 


2 


5 


1 


5 


6 


2 


151.98 


1853 


116 


1 


2 


3 


5 





5 


6 


146.70 


1854 


139 


26 





26 


3 





3 


6 


145.00 


1855 


139 





2 


2 


2 





2 


12 


125.68 


1856 


132 











4 


3 


7- 


5 


156.47 


1857 


130 





1 


1 


S 





3 


6 


135.87 


1858 


143 


16 


1 


17 





4 


4 


5 


' 136.00 


1859 


140 


1 





1 


3 


1 


4 


2 


142.00 


1860 


142 


3 


2 


5 


3 


1 


4 


4 


. 165.66 


1861 


135 











7 





7 


3 


115.94 


1862 


117 











3 


5 


8 


1 


143.65 


1863 


114 





2 


2 


3 


3 


6 


2 


143.34 


1864 


113 


3 


7 


10 


1 


5 


6 


4 


174.82 


1865 


132 


22 





22 


1 


2 


3 


3 


209.82 


1866 


130 





3 


3 


5 





5 


3 


221.12 


1867 

« . 


169 


36 


3 


39 













90 



LETTER FROM REV. ASA D. SMITH, D. T)., PRESIDENT OF 
DARTMOUTH COLLEGE, NEW HAIMPSHIRE. 

Dartmouth College, Hanover, N. H., Oct. 22, 1866. 

Rev. F. D. Avert : 

Dear Sii' ; 

I very much regret that it will be out of my 
power to be present at the approaching anniversary of your church. 
Had I known of the occasion somewhat earher, the case might have 
been different ; but as it is, engagements, which I cannot set aside, 
will keep me here. 

I feel the power of the associations to which you turn my thoughts- 
A visit to the place where sprung into being Dartmouth College, 
would be like tracing the source of some beautiful, fertilizing river to 
its soui'ce among the distant mountains. It would give me a new 
impression of the great issues which may come from small beginnings. 
I should have a new impulse in my work, a fresh assurance that the 
same good Providence which has guided this Institution from the 
first, will make its future worthy of its noble past. I could add little 
to the interest of the occasion, but I esteem it a loss to myself that I 
cannot be with you. 

Accept my thanks for the courtesy of your letter, and believe me. 
Yours, very fraternally and truly, 

ASA D. SMITH. 



LETTER FROM. GOVERNOR BUCKINGHAM. 

Norwich, Conn., Oct. 19, 1866. 

Rev. F. D. Avert, Columbia : 

My Dear Sir : 

I thank you for your invitation to be pres- 
ent at the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of your church, and 
should accept the same, if I had not an engagement which will detain 
me nearly all of next week in New York. I assure you that I feel 
a deep interest in all that pertains to the history and prosperity of 
Lebanon, in its former boundaries, and in all her churches. The 
oood seed which has been sown for a century and a half has produced 



91 

a valuable harvest in your immediate vicinity ; but I doubt not that 
the fruit which is unseen, and that which has matured in other parts 
of our country, is vastly richer than that which is seen. 
With high regard, 

I am your obedient servant, 

WM. A. BUCKINGHAM. 



LETTEE FROM REV. DANIEL HUNT, POMFRET, CONN. 

Rev. F. D. Avery : 

Dear Brother : 

I return my hearty thanks to you and the committee 
for your invitation to attend the approaching anniversary of the form- 
ation of the church and society in Columbia. It would afford me 
great pleasure to be present on the occasion, which I trust will be one 
of great interest and satisfaction to all the sons and daughters of that 
ancient precinct of Lebanon, "The Crank." The early history of the 
place was honorable. Distinguished men dwelt there. Shining 
characters were born and reared there, and went forth to bless the 
world by their labors. And God has never forgotten his church in 
that place, though it has often been in great affliction and peril. Zion 
stands and rejoices there still, and the spirit of Wheelock and Brock- 
way lingers within the gates, which is always a comfort for me to 
think of. 

It is not likely that I can be present on the occasion ; or if such a 
thing should be, it would not be well for you to depend on me for any 
service; for I am nothing now, and, as you know, "ex nihilo nihil fit." 

Yours truly, 

D. HUNT. 

PoMFRET, July 18, 1866 



92 



NOTE A. 



LETTER OF TIIE PARISH TO REV. E. WHEELOCK, D. D., RELA- 
TING TO THE LOCATION OF THE CHARITY SCHOOL. 

"At a legal and full meeting of the Inhabitants, legal voters of the 
second society in Lebanon, [Now Columbia,] in Connecticut, held in 
said society on the 29th day of June, Anno Domini 1767, We made 
choice of Mr. James Pinneo to be moderator of said meeting, and 
passed the following votes, nemine contradieente. 

1. That we desire the Indian Charity School now under the care of 
the Rev. Mr. Eleazer Wheelock, may be fixed to continue in this soci- 
ety ; provided it may consist with the interest and prosperity of said 
School. 

2. That as we have a large and convenient house for public and 
divine "Worship ; we will accommodate the members of said school 
with such convenient seats in said house as we shall be able. 

3. That the following letter be presented to the Rev. Mr. Eleazer 
Wheelock, by Messrs. Israel Woodward, James Pinneo, and Asahel 
Clark, in the name and behalf of this society ; and that they desire him 
to transmit a copy of the same, with the votes foregoing, to the Right 
Honorable the Earl of Dartmouth, and the rest of those Honorable 
and Worthy Gentlemen in England who have condescended to patron- 
ize said school ; and to whom the establishment of the same is com- 
mitted. 

The Inhabitants of the second society in Lebanon in Connecticut to 
the Rev. Mr. Eleazer Wheelock, Pastor of said society. 

Rev. and dear Pastor, 

As you are witness to our past care and concern for the success of 
your most pious and charitable undertaking in favor of the poor per- 
ishing Indians on this continent, we are confident you will not be dis- 
pleased at our addressing you on this occasion; but that you would 
rather.think it strange if we should altogether hold our peace at such 
a time as this ; when we understand it is still in doubt both with your 
self and Friends where to fix your school ; w'hether at Albany or more 
remote among the Indian Tribes, in this society where it was first 
planted, or in some other part of this colony proposed for its accom- 
modation. 

We have some of us heard most of the arguments offered for its re- 
moval, and however plausable they appear we are not at all convinced 



93 

of their force, or that it is expedient, every thing considered, it should 
be removed, nor do we think we have great reason to fear the event, 
only we would not be wanting as to our duty in giving such hints in 
favor of its continuance here as naturally occur to our minds, for we 
have that confidence in you and the friends of the desire, that you will 
not be easily carried away with Appearances: but will critically ob- 
serve the secret springs of those generous offers, made in one place 
and another, (some of which are beyond what we can pretend to,) 
whether some prospect of private emolument be not at the bottom; or 
whether they will finally prove more kind to your pious institution as 
such considered, (whatever their pretenses may be,) than ever have 
been or at present appear to be to the Redeemer's Kingdom in gen- 
eral. We trust this institution so well calculated to the advancement 
of its interest will flourish best among the Redeemer's friends; and 
although with respect to ourselves we have little to boast as to friend- 
ship to our divine Redeemer or his interest, yet this we are sure of, 
that he has been very kind to us, in times past, and we trust has made 
you the instrument of much good to us, and to lay a foundation for it to 
succeeding generations ; we humbly hope God has been preparing an 
habitation for himself here, and has said of it this is my resting place, 
here will I dwell forever, (not because they deserved it,) but because 
I have desired it, and where God is pleased to dwell, under his influ- 
ence your institution (which we trust is of him,) may Expect to live 
and thrive. We desire it may be considered that this is its birth 
place, here it was kindly received, and nourished when no other door 
was set open to it — here it found friends when almost friendless, yea 
when despised and contemned abroad — its friends are now increased 
here as well as elsewhere, and although by reason of our poverty and 
the hardness of the times, our subscriptions are small compared with 
what some others may boast. Being at present but about (£)810 
pounds lawful money yet there are here some other privileges which 
we think very valuable and serviceable to the design, viz. 400 acres of 
very fertile and good land, about forty acres of which are under im- 
provement, and the remainder well set with choice timber and fuel, 
and is suitably proportioned for the various branches of Husbandry 
which will much accommodate the design as said land is situated 
within about half a mile of our Meeting House, and may be purchased 
for fifty shillings lawful money per acre. There is also several other 
small parcels of land suitably situate for building places for the use of 
the scliool to be sold at a reasonable rate. We have also a beautiful 
building place for said school within a few rods of said meeting house, 
12 



94 

adjacent to which is a large and pleasant Green : and we are confident 
that wood, provisions and clothing, &c., which will be necessary for 
the school, may be had here not only now, but in future years at as 
low a rate as in any place in the colony, or in any other place where 
it has been proposed to settle your school. These privileges we think 
are valuable and worthy your consideration, and also of those Honour- 
able and worthy Gentlemen in England to whom you have committed 
the design of the affair, and from the friendly disposition which has so 
many years past and does still reign in our breasts towards it. We 
think it may be presumed we shall from time to time be ready to min- 
ister to its support as occasion shall require and our circumstances 
permit. We take the liberty further to observe that such has hitherto 
been the peace and good order (greatly through your instrumentality,) 
obtaining among us that the members of your school have all along 
been as free from temptations to any vicious courses or danger of fatal 
error as perhaps might be expected they would be on any spot of this 
Universally polluted Globe. 

Here, Dear Sir, your school has flourished remarkably. It has 
grown apace ; from small beginnings how very considerable it has be- 
come; an evidence that the soil and climate suit the institution — if you 
transplant it you run a risk of stinting its growth, perhaps of destroy- 
ing its very life, or at least of changing its nature and missing the 
pious aim you have all along had in view; a danger which scarce need 
to be hinted ; as you are sensible it has been the common fate of insti- 
tutions of this kind; that charitable Donations have been misapplied 
and perverted to serve purposes very far from or contrary to those the 
pious donors had in view; such is the subtiUy of the old serpent that 
he will turn all our weapons against our selves if possible. Aware of 
this, you have all along appeared to decline and even detest all such 
alliances and proposals as were calculated for, or seemed to promise 
any private emolument to your self or your friends. This we trust is 
still your prevaihng temper and rejoice to hear that your friends and 
those who are intrusted with the affair in England are exactly in the 
same sentiments, happy presage not only of the continuance ot the in- 
stitution itself but we hope of its immutability as to place. One thing 
more we beg leave to mention, (not to tire your patience with the 
many that occur,) viz. if you remove the school from us, you at the 
same time take away our Minister, the light of our eyes and joy of our 
hearts, under whose ministrations we have sat with gi-eat delight; 
whose labors have been so acceptable and we trust profitable for a 
long time; must then our Dear and Worthy Pastor and his pious in- 



95 

stitution go from us together ? Alas shall we be deprived of both in 
one day? We are sensible that we have abused such privileges and 
have forfeited them ; and at God's bar we plead guilty — we pray him 
to give us repentance and reformation, and to lengthen out our Happy 
State ; we own the justice of God in so heavy losses, if they must be 
inflicted ; and even in the removal of our Candlestick out of its place," 
but we can't bear the thought that you our Dear Pastor and the dear 
friends to your pious institution should become the Executioners of 
such a Vengeance. However we leave the matter with you, and are 
with much Duty and filial regard Dear Sir, Your very humble ser- 
vants or rather Obedient Children. 

By order of said Society, T Israel Woodward, 

J James Pinneo, 



June 29th, 17G7. 



/ Asahel Clark, Jr. 



NOTE B* 

. LETTER RECOMMENDING REV. MR. WHITAKER IN HIS 
EFFORTS SOLICITING SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR MOOR'S 
CHARITY SCHOOL. 

Mr. Wliiiaker was a man of fine talents and prepossessing appear- 
ance. He had manifested great interest in the prosperity of Mr. 
Wheelock's Indian School at Lebanon, and in the welfare of the Mo- 
hegan Indians, his neighbors. On tliese accounts he had been selected 
as a proper person to accompany Mr. Occom on his mission. 

They carried with them a printed book containing recommendations, 
and an exposition of the state of Indian Missions in North America. 
Mr. AVhitaker's recommendation from his chui'ch is as follows: 
The Church of Christ at Chelsey, in Norwich, in Conn: in New Eng- 
land, to all the Churches of Christ, and whomsoever it may concern, 
send greeting: 

Whereas it has pleased God in his Providence, to call our Rever- 
end and worthy Pastor, Mr. Nathaniel Whitaker, from us for a season, 
to go to Europe, to solicit charities for the Indian Charity School, 
under the care of the Rev. Mr. P^leazer Wheelock, of Lebanon, and to 
promote Christian Knowledge among the Indians on this continent: 

* By permission from " Caulkins' History of Norwich. 



WOV 10 1904 



96 

We do unanimously recommend him, the said Mr. Whltaker and 
his services to all the Churches and people of God, of whatever de- 
nomination, and wheresoever he may come, as a faithful minister of 
Jesus Christ, whose praise is in the gospel through the churches; 
earnestly requesting brotherly kindness and charity may be extended 
towards him as occasion may require ; and that the grand and impor- 
tant cause in which he is engaged, may be forwarded and promoted 
by all the lovers of truth. 

Wishing grace, mercy and truth may be multiplied to you and the 
whole Israel of God, and desiring an interest in your prayers, we sub- 
scribe Yours in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, 

By order and in behalf) Jonathan Huntington, 

said Church, ) Isiah Tiffany. 

Norwich, Oct. 21st, 1766. 

The delegates were eminently successful in their mission, both ia 
England and Scotland, and collected funds amounting nearly to ten 
thousand pounds sterling. 

The following letter, written by Occom from London to his daugh- 
ters at home, is a curious example of Mohegan ingenuity : 

My dear Mary and Esther — 

Perhaps you may query whether I am well : I came from home 
well, was by the way well, got over well, am received at London well, 
and am treated extremely well, — yea, I am caress'd too well. And 
do you pray that I may be well ; and that I may do well, and in Time 
return Home well. And I hope you are well, and wish you well, and 
as I think you begun well, so keep on well, that you may end well, 
and then all will be well. 

And so Farewell, 



(Ly^?.^^?^-^^^ (ycco^^^^^ 



TlR 



